Carson, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- recycled/nonpotable water required for construction
- Trigger
- "when available"
- Adopted by
- Ord. 09-1433, Chapter 10
- Also bans
- single-pass cooling systems
- Penalty
- general misdemeanor, CMC § 1200(a)
Summary
Carson's water conservation ordinance requires builders to use recycled or other approved nonpotable water for construction purposes whenever it is available, as part of the City's permanent water-waste-prevention rules.
"Recycled water" means the reclamation and reuse of nonpotable water for beneficial use. ... Construction Purposes. Recycled or other approved nonpotable water must be used for construction purposes when available.
Full Breakdown
Under CMC Chapter 10, the Water Conservation and Sustainability Measures ordinance (Ord. 09-1433), § 51005(d) requires that "recycled or other approved nonpotable water" be used for construction purposes when available, alongside companion rules banning single-pass cooling systems and requiring recirculating water in fountains and new commercial car washes and laundries. The Chapter defines recycled water simply as reclaimed nonpotable water put to beneficial use. Note the ordinance is a conservation measure only, § 51004(e) states it does not implement drainage, runoff, or water-quality regulation, which is handled separately under the City's storm water chapter.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 10 sets no separate penalty, so a violation defaults to the Code's general misdemeanor provision, CMC § 1200(a): up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must builders in Carson use recycled water?
Does this rule also cover stormwater quality?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
California rules heatmap·Compare Carson to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycled water rules.