Monterey County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Major landscape projects, 2,500+ sq ft
- Trigger
- County finds recycled water available and feasible
- Exemption
- Written statement from the local water purveyor
- Also covers
- Decorative water features, not just irrigation
- Reviewed under
- Major landscape package, § 16.63.060
- Scope
- Unincorporated Monterey County only
Summary
Major landscape projects (2,500+ square feet) in unincorporated Monterey County must use recycled water for irrigation and water features whenever the county determines recycled water is available and connection is feasible, under Chapter 16.63's water-efficient landscape standards adopted in place of the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Landscape projects subject to this section shall incorporate the use of recycled water for irrigation and meet the three regulations set forth below when, in the determination of the County, recycled water is available and connection to recycled water is feasible.1.All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all State and County laws and regulations related to recycled water use.2.The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been granted pursuant to this subdivision G.3.Irrigation systems and decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water purveyor stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
" Three conditions apply: recycled water systems must be designed and operated under all applicable state and county recycled-water laws; new irrigation systems must be built to allow current and future recycled-water use unless a written exemption is granted; and irrigation systems and decorative water features must actually use recycled water unless the local water purveyor issues a written statement that recycled water meeting public health standards isn't available and won't be for the foreseeable future. 110. The same section separately recommends, but does not mandate, graywater and rainwater catchment systems, which are instead subject to California Plumbing Code standards and Environmental Health Bureau approval. 63 applies only in unincorporated Monterey County, in both coastal and non-coastal zoning districts.
Violations & Fines
A major landscape project that skips a feasible recycled-water connection, or installs irrigation without the required written exemption from the local water purveyor, does not meet its approved landscape package. The Chief of Planning can withhold approval of the project's Certificate of Completion under § 16.63.110, and landscaping maintained contrary to Chapter 16.63 is unlawful and enforceable through Monterey County Code Chapters 1.20 and 1.22 per § 16.63.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all new landscapes have to use recycled water in Monterey County?
Can I avoid using recycled water if it's not available to my property?
Which office reviews recycled-water compliance for a project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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