Aurora, IL Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt sources
- Reclaimed greywater, recycled effluent, harvested rainwater
- Timing
- Usable any time, no day/hour limit
- Also exempt from
- July 1 - Aug 31 new-sod ban
- Governing section
- Aurora Code of Ordinances § 48-31(d)
Summary
Aurora exempts plant watering done with reclaimed greywater, recycled effluent, or harvested rainwater from its standard lawn-watering day and hour restrictions, letting property owners use those sources any time.
Reclaimed greywater means water that is produced by treating onsite wastewater generated by household activities, such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing, is prevented from entering the municipal wastewater treatment system, and is redirected for reuse onsite. ... Plant watering where such watering is done using reclaimed greywater, recycled effluent, or harvested rainwater may be performed at any time.
Full Breakdown
Under Aurora's water conservation code, watering that uses reclaimed greywater, recycled municipal effluent, or harvested rainwater collected in rain barrels or cisterns is not subject to the citywide even/odd address schedule, the 6-9 a.m./6-9 p.m. windows, or the July 31 and August 31 no-watering dates. The same alternative sources also let property owners lay sod or seed new lawns during the July 1 through August 31 blackout on new landscaping, when city or private-well water would otherwise be prohibited for that purpose.
Violations & Fines
No separate penalty applies to this exemption; using potable water outside the permitted schedule without qualifying as reclaimed, recycled, or harvested water triggers the standard $50 to $1,000 escalating fine under the same section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water a new lawn with rain barrel water in August in Aurora, IL?
Does the recycled water exemption cover routine lawn watering too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Illinois water use rules overview
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