Brentwood, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- BMC Ch. 13.06, Recycled Water Regulations
- Use priority
- First-come, first-served when available
- Potable water for these uses
- Declared contrary to city policy
- Rates
- Set by city council, Ordinance No. 782
- Administered by
- Director of public works
- Drought restrictions
- Recycled water exempt, supplied as available
Summary
Brentwood Municipal Code Chapter 13.06 makes recycled water the mandatory first choice for landscape, commercial and industrial uses whenever it is available, and treats using potable water for those purposes instead as against city policy. Service is permit-based, first-come first-served, and administered by the director of public works.
It is the policy of the city that recycled water be used for any purposes approved for recycled water use, when it is economically, technically and institutionally feasible. Recycled water shall be the primary source of supply for landscape irrigation, commercial and industrial uses, whenever available and/or feasible. Use of potable water for landscape irrigation, commercial and industrial uses shall be contrary to city policy; shall not be considered the most beneficial use of a natural resource; and shall be avoided to the maximum extent possible. ... Recycled water shall be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as recycled water is available.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4604307; v5 updated 2025-12-09).
Full Breakdown
120 sets a first-come, first-served priority once it is. 110 include conserving potable supplies for agricultural irrigation, commercial toilet/urinal flushing, construction, industrial process water, landscape irrigation, impoundments and wildlife habitat, while preventing direct human consumption through warning signs and a cross-connection/backflow prevention program. 160 lets the director of public works revoke a "Permit for Recycled Water Service" and cut off service if financial, operational, or regulatory conditions are not met at all times. Rates are set by the city council under Ordinance No. 782 and billed differently from potable water, and recycled water is exempt from potable-water drought restrictions, supplied "as available" instead. 245).
Violations & Fines
The director of public works may revoke a recycled water permit and terminate service outright if regulatory, financial or operational conditions in § 13.06.160 are violated, or if water quality fails to meet regulatory agency requirements. Under § 13.06.250, obstructing or obscuring a recycled water meter box with trash, soil, building materials or vegetation lets the city clean and remove the obstruction at the user's expense after reasonable notice. Discharging recycled water in violation of the chapter is an "unauthorized discharge" under the § 13.06.125 definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brentwood require using recycled water instead of potable water?
Who decides which properties get Brentwood recycled water service?
Can Brentwood cut off my recycled water service?
Is recycled water safe to drink in Brentwood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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