Dublin, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Recycled water required for
- irrigation systems and water features
- Exemption authority
- Dublin San Ramon Services District
- ETAF cap when using recycled water
- 1.0 (or District's lower cap)
- Referenced Water District rule
- Water District Code Sec. 4.30
Summary
Dublin, California requires new irrigation systems to be built for recycled water use, and requires decorative water features to run on recycled water, unless the Dublin San Ramon Services District certifies recycled water is unavailable. Municipal Code Section 8.88.150 sets the standard.
A. The installation of irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless the project is located in an area in which recycled water is unavailable and will not be available for the foreseeable future, or a written exemption has been granted by the Water District. ... B. Decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the Water District stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future. C. Landscapes using recycled water are considered Special Landscape Areas. The ET Adjustment Factor for Special Landscape Areas (recycled water use areas) shall not exceed 1.0, or whichever is lower within the Water District's Code or Use Guidelines.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2-26, passed March 3, 2026).
Full Breakdown
88's Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance allow for current and future recycled-water use. CCCC, grants a written exemption. B extends the requirement to decorative water features specifically, mandating recycled water unless the Water District issues a written exemption stating that recycled water meeting public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future. 0, or lower if the Water District's own code or use guidelines set a tighter figure. 30, its Standard Procedures and Specifications and Drawings Section IV on Recycled Water System Requirements, and its Recycled Water Use Guidelines, all as amended from time to time. b separately encourages recycled water for decorative water features within the broader landscape design plan requirements.
Violations & Fines
A landscape or water feature installed without recycled-water capability, and without a Water District exemption on file, fails Chapter 8.88 review and cannot receive the Certificate of Completion required under Section 8.88.100. Because Chapter 8.88 falls under Title 8, noncompliance is an infraction under Section 8.144.060, punishable per Section 8.144.070.B by fines of up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for a third, with escalation to a misdemeanor after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dublin require recycled water for landscaping?
Do fountains and ponds need to use recycled water too?
How does using recycled water affect my landscape's water budget?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dublin
California rules heatmap·Compare Dublin to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle recycled water rules.