Buena Park, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 13.28.050(C)
- Status
- Exempt from conservation limits
- Adopted
- Ord. 1533, 2009
- Applies to
- Irrigation, water features
- Enforcing dept.
- Buena Park Public Works
Summary
Buena Park exempts recycled (reclaimed) water from its potable-water conservation and drought-shortage rules, so watering-hour, watering-day, and phase restrictions under Municipal Code Chapter 13.28 do not apply when landscapes or features are irrigated with recycled water.
The provisions of this chapter apply to any person in the use of any potable water provided by the city.
B. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to uses of water necessary to protect public health and safety or for essential government services, such as police, fire and other similar emergency services.
C. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the use of recycled water, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
D. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the use of water by commercial nurseries and commercial growers to sustain plants, trees, shrubs, crops or other vegetation intended for commercial sale.
E. This chapter is intended solely to further the conservation of water. It is not intended to implement any provision of federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations relating to protection of water quality or control of drainage or runoff. Refer to the local jurisdiction or Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans. (Ord. 1533 § 2, 2009)
Full Breakdown
Section 13.28.050 of the Buena Park Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage Program limits the chapter's watering-hour, watering-day, and phase-shortage restrictions to potable water furnished by the city. Subsection C expressly carves out recycled (reclaimed) water, meaning irrigation, water features, and other non-potable uses supplied through the recycled-water system are not subject to the same drought-stage cutbacks that apply to hoses and sprinklers on the potable system, unless a later section expressly extends a restriction to recycled water. The exemption sits inside the city's Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance, Chapter 13.30, which separately sets water-budget irrigation design standards regardless of water source.
Violations & Fines
Recycled water use itself carries no penalty here. Misusing potable water in violation of the chapter's restrictions is punishable under Buena Park Municipal Code § 13.28.140: written warning, then escalating fines to $500, plus possible water-service disconnection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I irrigate with recycled water during a declared Phase 2 or Phase 3 water shortage in Buena Park?
Does Buena Park require new landscaping to use recycled water?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California water use rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle recycled water rules.