Hanford, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Recycled water required, exemptions allowed
- Adopted
- Ord. 22-06, 2022
- Applies to
- Irrigation systems, decorative water features
- Waiver
- City-issued written exemption only
Summary
Hanford requires irrigation systems and decorative water features to use recycled water unless the city grants a written exemption confirming recycled water isn't available. The rule applies citywide under the water-efficient landscape ordinance.
Irrigation systems and decorative water features shall use recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the city stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available for the foreseeable future.
B. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and state laws.
C. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0. (Ord. 22-06 § 2, 2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873707; v4 updated 2026-03-17).
Full Breakdown
Under Hanford Municipal Code § 12.08.160, new and rehabilitated landscape irrigation systems and decorative water features must use recycled water rather than potable water. The city can only waive this if it issues a written exemption finding that recycled water meeting public health standards isn't available and won't become available in the foreseeable future. Landscapes irrigated with recycled water are treated as 'special landscape areas' under the ordinance, capping their evapotranspiration adjustment factor at 1.0. The rule was adopted as part of Hanford, California's 2022 water-efficient landscape ordinance for the City of Hanford, Kings County.
Violations & Fines
Violating this section is an infraction under Municipal Code § 1.20.010, punishable per Government Code § 36900(b), with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; conditions may also be abated as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use potable water for landscape irrigation in Hanford?
Does this apply to decorative fountains?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
California rules heatmap·Compare Hanford to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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