Santa Clara County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt sources
- recycled, gray, and rainwater
- Coverage
- unincorporated area only
- Governing section
- Sec. B13-101
- Standard watering fines
- do not apply
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Clara County's water-conservation limits on outdoor irrigation, hose-washing, and decorative fountains don't apply to water drawn from a recycled water, gray water, or rainwater system.
The use of water from a recycled water, gray water, or rainwater utilization system is exempt from the provisions of this section.
(Ord. No. NS-640, § 1, 2-10-15)
Sec. B13-101.1. - Prohibited commercial activities in promotion of water conservation. Except where necessary to address an immediate health or safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a county, state, or federal agency, the following acts are prohibited:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
The County's water conservation chapter bans daytime irrigation, unregulated hose use, unfixed irrigation leaks, and non-recirculating fountains in unincorporated Santa Clara County, but it carves out one clear exception: water supplied by a recycled water, gray water, or rainwater utilization system is exempt from every restriction in the section. A property running a permitted greywater or rainwater-harvesting system can irrigate landscaping at any hour without risking the fines that apply to potable-water violations under this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable - recycled, gray, and rainwater systems are exempt from the water-conservation prohibitions and their associated fines entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 9 a.m.-6 p.m. watering ban apply to my greywater system?
Do I still need a permit to install a greywater system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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