Garden Grove, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Recycled water becomes available to site
- Required system
- Dual distribution (recycled + potable)
- Exemption
- Written exemption from local water agency
- Design standard
- Must meet all local and state codes
- Applies within
- Landscape Water Efficiency Provisions, Sec. 9.08.040.055
Summary
Once recycled water becomes available to a property, Garden Grove requires new irrigation systems to be built as dual distribution systems and to actually use recycled water for landscaping, unless the local water agency issues a written exemption. Irrigation using recycled water must still meet all state and local health standards.
2. Recycled Water. a. At such time as recycled water is available, the installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of recycled water. b. Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, stating that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future. c. The recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all local and state codes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4903654; v10 updated 2026-05-12).
Full Breakdown
060(V)(1) sets the Irrigation Efficiency criteria for landscape projects subject to the water efficiency provisions, and subsection (V)(2), titled "Recycled Water," layers on the recycled-water mandate. At such time as recycled water is available to a site, the code requires installation of recycled water irrigation systems, meaning dual distribution systems capable of carrying both potable and recycled water, to allow for current and future recycled water use. Beyond just building the plumbing for it, irrigation systems must actually make use of recycled water once available, unless the property owner obtains a written exemption from the local water agency certifying that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not become available in the foreseeable future.
Any recycled water irrigation system that is installed must be designed and operated in accordance with all local and state codes, tying the local rule back to state health and water-quality standards for recycled water use. 055, which apply to new landscape installations and rehabilitation projects at or above 2,500 square feet for developers and public agencies, or 5,000 square feet for individual homeowners, and require a landscape documentation package certified by a licensed professional before installation can proceed.
Violations & Fines
Installing new irrigation on an applicable landscape project without the required dual distribution system once recycled water is available, or continuing to irrigate with potable water without a written exemption from the local water agency, violates Section 9.08.040.060(V)(2) and can result in denial of the landscape documentation package or a certificate of completion, blocking final occupancy sign-off for the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use recycled water for landscaping in Garden Grove?
What kind of irrigation system does the code require?
Who grants an exemption from using recycled water?
Does recycled water irrigation still need to meet health codes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garden Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Garden Grove to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle recycled water rules.