Chula Vista, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CVMC 20.12.200
- Trigger
- Landscape area ≥ 2,500 sq. ft.
- Applies to
- New and rehabilitated industrial, commercial, multifamily, public projects
- Recycled water standard
- Tertiary treatment (Cal. DHS highest level)
- Adopted
- Ord. 3357, 2015; Ord. 3146, 2009
Summary
Chula Vista's Landscape Water Conservation ordinance requires new and rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more at industrial, commercial, cemetery, public and multifamily projects to irrigate with recycled or gray water wherever it is available, under CVMC 20.12.200.
20.12.200 Recycled water and gray water. Newly constructed and rehabilitated landscapes for public agencies and private development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet including, but not limited to, industrial, commercial, cemetery, public, quasi-public, institutional and multifamily residential development shall use recycled water or gray water for irrigation purposes where it is available. Use of recycled water or gray water for irrigation purposes does not excuse a person from complying with all state and local laws and regulations related to recycled water use or gray water use.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3623, passed May 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020(GGG) as water treated at the highest level required by the California Department of Health Services for water not intended for human consumption, distinguishing "tertiary treated recycled water" as water that has gone through three levels of treatment including filtration and disinfection. 12, with all gray water systems required to conform to the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16) and applicable City standards. 0. 200 are reviewed by the Director of Development Services before permit or plan-check approval.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 20.12 penalties are enforced through the City's general administrative citation program under CVMC 1.41.100 et seq., authorizing fines of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation within 12 months, and $500 for each additional violation within 12 months of a prior one, applied per violating code section against the responsible party until the landscape is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do single-family homes in Chula Vista have to irrigate with recycled water?
What counts as recycled water under Chula Vista's code?
Does using gray water excuse other water-law compliance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chula Vista
California rules heatmap·Compare Chula Vista 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 San Diego County handle recycled water rules.