Los Banos, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

14 of the Municipal Code, part of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance adopted by Ordinance 1156, contains two operative rules for recycled water. First, subsection (a) requires that the installation of recycled water irrigation systems allow for the current and future use of recycled water, meaning new and rehabilitated systems covered by Chapter 9-6 must be built compatible with a future recycled-water hookup even where none exists yet. Second, subsection (b) requires that all recycled water irrigation systems actually in use be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and State laws.

06(a)(2)(B) states that, where available, recycled water shall be used as the source for decorative water features. 45 non-residential caps that apply to ordinary landscape area. The chapter defines recycled water, also called reclaimed water or treated sewage effluent, as treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as irrigation, not intended for human consumption. These requirements apply to the same new-development and rehabilitation project thresholds as the rest of Chapter 9-6.