La Habra, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

La Habra Municipal Code Chapter 15.70, the Water System Backflow and Cross-Connections chapter, makes it unlawful to maintain any cross-connection between the city's potable water pipes and any other water source, including reclaimed water systems used for landscape irrigation and water features (§ 15.70.010). Section 15.70.020 defines reclaimed water as wastewater that, after treatment, is suitable for non-potable uses only. Under § 15.70.030, the city's water department requires backflow protection commensurate with the degree of hazard on the premises, using one of three approved assemblies: a double check valve assembly (DC), a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP), or an air-gap separation (AG), the highest level of protection.

Table 15.70.030 classifies premises where the public water system supplements the reclaimed water supply, or where reclaimed water is used with no interconnection to the potable system, under category (a), Sewage and Hazardous Substances, requiring an AG, though an RP can substitute if the health agency and the city both approve. The same table requires AG or RP protection for auxiliary water supplies and certain fire protection systems tied into the potable system. Whenever the city determines backflow protection is necessary, § 15.70.030.A.2 requires the water user to install the approved assembly at his own expense before a new service connection is granted or before an existing connection may continue. Situations not listed in Table 15.70.030 are evaluated case by case by the city or the health agency.