Livermore, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Irrigation systems
- Must be built recycled-water ready
- Water features
- Must run on recycled water absent exemption
- Exemption standard
- Recycled water unavailable long-term, in writing
- Classification
- Recycled-water landscapes are "special landscape areas"
- ETAF cap
- 1.0 for special landscape areas
Summary
Livermore requires new irrigation systems to be built ready for recycled water and requires decorative water features to actually run on it. LMC § 13.25.160 allows exceptions only where recycled water is unavailable for the foreseeable future or the City grants a written exemption, and recycled-water landscapes get a looser 1.0 water budget factor.
A. The installation of irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless the project is located in an area in which recycled water is unavailable and will not be available for the foreseeable future, or a written exemption has been granted by the City. B. 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. C. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for new and existing (nonrehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.
Full Breakdown
160(A), irrigation systems must be installed to allow current and future use of recycled water, unless the project sits in an area where recycled water is unavailable and will stay unavailable for the foreseeable future, or the City has granted a written exemption. Subsection (B) goes further for decorative water features specifically: they must use recycled water unless the City has issued a written exemption stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not become available for the foreseeable future.
060 applies to potable-irrigated landscapes. 050(A)(1)(f), identifying whether the project will run on potable, recycled, or well water and naming the local purveyor if not served by a private well. 170 regulates separately under the California Plumbing Code and bars from ever interconnecting with the domestic water system.
Violations & Fines
Installing an irrigation system that cannot accommodate recycled water, or running a decorative water feature on potable supply, without a written exemption showing recycled water is unavailable for the foreseeable future, is a Chapter 13.25 violation. LMC § 13.25.220 lets the City suspend any development permit already issued for the property until compliance is demonstrated to the Public Works Director's satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to actually connect to recycled water, or just design for it?
My fountain currently runs on tap water. Is that legal in Livermore?
Does using recycled water make my water budget stricter or looser?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle recycled water rules.