Indio, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulated resource
- Potable water only
- Recycled water
- Fully exempt from restrictions
- Legal basis
- § 54.052(C)
- Higher stages
- Push users toward recycled water
Summary
Indio's water-shortage ordinance regulates only potable water; it expressly exempts reclaimed and recycled water from every conservation stage's use restrictions, so recycled-water irrigation stays unrestricted.
No person shall use or permit the use of potable water provided by the City of Indio through the Indio Water Authority ("city") for residential, commercial, industrial or any other purpose in violation of any provision of this article ... The provisions of this article do not apply to the use of reclaimed or recycled water.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4796010; v13 updated 2026-02-04; through 02-04-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 54's water conservation article applies to potable water 'provided by the City of Indio through the Indio Water Authority' for any use in excess of what the applicable shortage stage allows. Section 54.052(C) carves recycled water out entirely, stating the article's restrictions do not apply to reclaimed or recycled water use. In deeper shortage stages the city goes further and actively directs certain users, commercial car washes in Stage III, park and school turf in Stage V, toward recycled water instead of potable supply.
Violations & Fines
None applies: recycled or reclaimed water use isn't subject to the conservation ordinance's penalty schedule at § 54.061, which reaches only violations of the potable-water restrictions in §§ 54.056 through 54.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indio restrict recycled water during a drought?
Who runs Indio's water system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indio
California rules heatmap·Compare Indio 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.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 Riverside County handle recycled water rules.