Lancaster, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- LMC Chapter 13.24, adopted by Ord. 841 (2005)
- Objection window
- 30 days to file written objection
- Permit required
- Recycled water permit before service begins
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day, misdemeanor
- Rate adjustment
- Annual, tied to LA-area CPI
Summary
Lancaster's water recycling ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 13.24, makes recycled water the required source for irrigation, greenbelt, and industrial uses within city-designated recycled water areas once the public works director determines it is available and feasible, and lets the city convert existing potable-water customers to recycled water on notice. Violators risk misdemeanor charges, injunctions, and fines up to $1,000 per day.
It is the policy of the city that recycled water determined to be available pursuant to Section 13550 of the Water Code shall be used for nonpotable uses within the designated recycled water use areas set forth by the city wherever there is not an alternative higher or better use for the recycled water, its use is economically justified, financially and technically feasible, and consistent with legal requirements, preservation of public health, safety and welfare, and the environment...D.Penalty. Any owner and/or operator who violates the ordinance codified in this chapter shall, for each day of violation, or portion thereof, be subject to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). In addition, water service to the property may be discontinued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 10 - 2025).
Full Breakdown
Adopted by Ordinance No. 040 designating recycled water service areas for greenbelt, school ground, and agricultural irrigation, filling artificial lakes, and commercial or industrial processes, and may mandate recycled water distribution systems as a condition of development approval. 44. Anyone required or electing to use recycled water must obtain a recycled water permit specifying design and operational requirements consistent with the California Department of Health Services Wastewater Recycling Criteria in Title 22, and plans are field-inspected by the public works director before the permit issues.
050(D) allows temporary potable water use while recycled facilities are completed, with at least 30 days to correct any noncompliance before enforcement begins. Recycled water rates are set by city council resolution and adjusted annually using the Los Angeles Area Consumer Price Index.
Violations & Fines
Section 13.24.060 declares any wastewater discharge or recycled water use in violation of the chapter or a permit a public nuisance and a misdemeanor. The public works director may abate the nuisance, seek an injunction, or revoke the recycled water permit, and can discontinue water service to the property. Each violating owner or operator faces a fine of up to $1,000 for every day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lancaster require property owners to switch to recycled water?
How do I appeal a recycled water conversion order?
What is the penalty for misusing recycled water in Lancaster?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lancaster
California rules heatmap·Compare Lancaster to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycled water rules.