Camarillo, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Camarillo Municipal Code § 14.12.040(B)-(D)
- Stage 2 rule
- Recycled water required for construction if available
- Stage 3 rule
- Nursery/grower irrigation needs recycled water availability
- Stage 4 rule
- Potable irrigation banned; recycled water allowed for listed uses
- Recycled water defined
- Reclaimed non-potable water per Title 22 CCR (§14.12.010)
- Penalties
- $100 to $1,000 fines, then flow restrictor (§14.12.050)
Summary
Once Camarillo declares a Stage 2, 3 or 4 water supply condition, Municipal Code Section 14.12.040 requires or favors recycled water over potable water for construction, agricultural irrigation and select landscape uses. At Stage 4, potable irrigation is banned outright and only recycled water may keep designated vegetation, fire-protection landscaping and park turf alive.
1.Watering. Watering with potable water is prohibited. If the city determines that recycled water is available, it may be applied for the following uses:(a)Maintenance of vegetation, including trees and shrubs (but excluding turf), that is watered using a hand-held bucket or similar container, hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device.(b)Maintenance of existing landscape necessary for fire protection.(c)Maintenance of existing landscape for soil erosion control.(d)Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the well-being of protected species.(e)Maintenance of landscaped areas within active public parks and playing fields, day care centers, golf course greens, and school grounds, provided that such irrigation does not exceed two days per week according to the schedule and times established in Section 14.12.030(A).(f)Actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
030 once the city council declares a numbered water supply condition. 040(B)(5), a declared Stage 2 condition (a 20 percent reduction goal) requires that recycled water be used for construction water if it is available. 040(C)(2): irrigation for commercial nurseries and growers is not permitted at all unless the city determines that recycled water is available and can be applied to that use. 030(A) schedule, and keeping actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects alive. 010 as reclaimed non-potable water reused for a beneficial use as defined in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. 12.
Violations & Fines
Recycled water rules are enforced the same way as the rest of Chapter 14.12: a first violation draws a written warning, a second violation within 12 months draws a fine up to $100, a third up to $500, and a fourth or later violation up to $1,000 plus installation of a 1 GPM flow restrictor for at least 48 hours, all under Section 14.12.050. The city can also disconnect water service for willful violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Camarillo ever require using recycled water instead of tap water?
Can I water my landscaping with recycled water if Camarillo bans potable irrigation?
What does 'recycled water' mean under Camarillo's water conservation ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Camarillo
California rules heatmap·Compare Camarillo to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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