Glendale, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- GMC Chapter 13.28
- Administered by
- Glendale Water & Power Dept
- Application requires
- scaled drawing, written description
- Approved uses
- irrigation, fountains, toilet flushing, construction
- Meter rule
- dedicated recycled-water meter required
- Nonpayment consequence
- disconnection plus reconnection charge
Summary
Glendale Water & Power requires customers to use recycled water instead of potable water for irrigation, fountains, toilet flushing, construction and industrial process water whenever the department finds it feasible and regulatory agencies allow it. Customers must apply, pay connection costs, and run recycled water through a dedicated meter under Municipal Code Chapter 13.28.
It is declared to be the policy of the city to require recycled water to be used in a manner that is in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations that will achieve the following: 1. Extend and enhance local water supplies by using recycled water for special nonpotable purposes to free up potable supplies for higher uses; 2. Reduce wastewater flows that would otherwise be lost to the ocean; 3. Prevent direct human consumption of recycled water; and 4. Control and limit run-off of recycled water by controlling the installation of systems using recycled water. ... Where the use of recycled water is feasible, appropriate and acceptable to all applicable regulatory agencies for the purposes of landscape irrigation, agricultural irrigation, filling of decorative fountains, in office buildings for toilet flushing, construction water, industrial process water, or recreational/ornamental impoundments or other uses permitted by the regulatory agencies, it is the policy of the city to require the applicant, owner or customer to use recycled water in lieu of potable water.
Full Breakdown
28, the Glendale Water and Power Department (GWP) controls and schedules all recycled water distribution in the city. 010 sets the policy: recycled water must be substituted for potable water wherever feasible for landscape or agricultural irrigation, filling decorative fountains, office building toilet flushing, construction water, industrial process water, or recreational and ornamental impoundments, subject to approval by every applicable regulatory agency. 08. 050 and may approve, conditionally approve, or deny service; conditions can include requiring the customer to install specific on-site facilities or an approved backflow preventer recognized by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. 060. 080(D)). 080(F)). 070(C)).
Violations & Fines
Failing to pay for recycled water service lets GWP disconnect or terminate service under Section 13.28.070(B), and the customer owes any delinquent and reconnection charges equal to those set for potable water before service resumes. Making unauthorized changes to on-site recycled water facilities without department approval, or using a recycled water meter to serve unapproved property, violates Section 13.28.080 and can trigger loss of service until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Glendale make me switch to recycled water?
How do I get recycled water service in Glendale?
Do I need a separate meter for recycled water?
What happens if I stop paying my recycled water bill?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glendale
California rules heatmap·Compare Glendale 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 Los Angeles County handle recycled water rules.