Hawthorne, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- HMC § 17.89.020, Definitions
- Recycled water use
- Nonpotable irrigation and water features only
- ETAF cap, recycled-water special areas
- Up to 1.0
- Standard residential ETAF
- 0.55
- Standard nonresidential ETAF
- 0.45
- Existing non-rehabilitated ETAF
- 0.8
Summary
Hawthorne's water-efficient landscaping code defines recycled water as treated, nonpotable wastewater suitable for irrigation and water features, and rewards its use by letting recycled-water-irrigated special landscape areas run at a favorable 1.0 evapotranspiration adjustment factor under the maximum applied water allowance formula.
"Recycled water," "reclaimed water," or "treated sewage effluent water" means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption. ... "Special landscape area (SLA)" means an area of the landscape dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water. ... Special landscape areas ... are subject to the MAWA with an ETAF not to exceed 1.0.
Full Breakdown
020 defines "recycled water," also called "reclaimed water" or "treated sewage effluent water," as treated or recycled wastewater of a quality suitable for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features, expressly not intended for human consumption. The same section defines a "special landscape area" to include any area dedicated solely to edible plants, recreational areas, areas irrigated with recycled water, or water features using recycled water. 62, times the sum of the ET adjustment factor (ETAF) multiplied by the landscape area plus one minus the ETAF multiplied by the special landscape area.
0. 89 was adopted by Ordinance 2140, Section 11, in 2017 and amended by Ordinance 2226, Section 7, in 2021, to implement standards at least as effective as the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. 030 applies these water budget rules to new construction with an aggregate landscape area of 500 square feet or more, and to rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more, that require a permit, plan check, or design review.
Violations & Fines
A landscape documentation package that claims recycled-water status for an area not actually irrigated with recycled water, in order to inflate its allowed ETAF, violates the review standards administered by the planning department under Chapter 17.89. The city, as the "local agency" responsible for approving landscape permits, plan checks, and design review, can withhold a certificate of completion for any project whose actual applied water exceeds the maximum applied water allowance calculated on its documentation package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as "recycled water" under Hawthorne's landscaping code?
Does using recycled water let a Hawthorne landscape use more water?
Which Hawthorne projects must follow the recycled water and MAWA rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hawthorne
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycled water rules.