Cupertino, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 14.15.090
- New system requirement
- Must allow current and future recycled water use
- Classification
- Special landscape area (SLA)
- ETAF cap for recycled-water SLA
- 1.0 (vs. 0.55/0.45 standard)
- Design standard
- Must meet all applicable local and state law
Summary
Cupertino's Landscape Ordinance requires new irrigation systems to allow for current and future recycled water use, treats recycled-water landscapes as special landscape areas with a higher water-use allowance, and requires all recycled water systems to meet state and local law.
The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water. All recycled water irrigations systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.
Full Breakdown
090 of the Landscape Ordinance, titled Recycled Water, requires the installation of recycled water irrigation systems to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, meaning new systems must be built compatible with a switch to recycled supply even where potable water is used initially. All recycled water irrigation systems must be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws. 030, defines 'recycled water' as treated wastewater, including reclaimed water or treated sewage effluent, of a quality suitable for non-potable uses including landscape irrigation and water features.
070 water budget calculation. 060(E), where water features using recycled water are calculated using the same SLA treatment rather than the standard medium or high water-use categories.
Violations & Fines
Recycled water system design is reviewed as part of the Landscape Documentation Package or Prescriptive Compliance Application under Sections 14.15.040 and 14.15.050, submitted to the Director of Community Development before final permit issuance, and confirmed at final inspection through the Certificate of Completion and Certificate of Installation; a system that fails to allow for current or future recycled water use, or does not meet applicable state and local recycled-water standards, can be held at that review or inspection stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cupertino require new landscaping to be recycled-water ready?
Is a recycled-water landscape treated differently in Cupertino's water budget rules?
What counts as recycled water under Cupertino's landscape ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle recycled water rules.