Madera County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Required device
- Air-gap separation (AG)
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 13.45, Cross-Connection Prevention
- Testing frequency
- At least annually
- Enforcement
- Water service termination for noncompliance
- Applies to
- County water system customers only
Summary
Unincorporated Madera County doesn't set a general recycled-water use ordinance, but its cross-connection rules require an approved air-gap backflow device wherever reclaimed water is used on a property connected to the county water system.
(3) Premises where reclaimed water is used and there is no interconnection with the potable water system. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the county. AG
(4) Premises where hazardous substances are handled in any manner in which the substances may enter a potable water system. This does not include a single-family residence that has a sewage lift pump. An RP may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the county. AG
(5) Premises where there are irrigation systems into which fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides are or can be injected. AG
(b) Auxiliary Water Supplies
(1) Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply which is interconnected with the public water system. An RP or DC may be provided in lieu of an AG if approved by the health agency and the county. AG
(2) Premises where there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply and there are no interconnections with the public water system. A DC may be provided in lieu of an RP if approved by the health agency and the county. RP
(c) Fire Protection Systems
(1) Premises where the fire system is directly supplied from the public water system and there is an unapproved auxiliary water supply on or to the premises (not interconnected). DC
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code Chapter 13.45, Cross-Connection Prevention for Water Systems, treats reclaimed water as a contamination hazard to the county's potable supply. Under Table 13.45.030, any premises using reclaimed water with no interconnection to the potable system must install an air-gap separation (AG), the highest level of backflow protection, unless the health agency and county approve a reduced-pressure device instead. The county tests and inspects these devices; owners bear the cost of installation, annual testing, and maintenance. This governs recycled-water users on the county water system in the unincorporated area, it is not a permit scheme for producing or selling recycled water.
Violations & Fines
Using reclaimed water without required backflow protection is a code violation; the county can terminate water service until an approved device is installed and passes testing, per Section 13.45.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unincorporated Madera County regulate the use of recycled water?
What happens if I don't install the required backflow device?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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