Norwalk, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Muni. Code § 17.03.020(O), Recycled Water
- Applies to
- new landscapes ≥500 sq ft, rehabs ≥2,500 sq ft
- ET adjustment factor cap
- 1.0 for recycled-water special landscape areas
- Water features
- must use recycled water where available
- Review authority
- Director of Community Development
Summary
Norwalk's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires covered landscape projects to build irrigation systems that can run on recycled water, treats recycled-water landscapes as a special category with a higher allowed water budget, and directs decorative fountains and ponds to draw from recycled water whenever it's available.
"Recycled water" means treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption. ... O. Recycled Water. 1. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water. 2. All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable local and State laws. 3. Landscapes using recycled water are considered special landscape areas. The ET adjustment factor for new and existing (non-rehabilitated) special landscape areas shall not exceed 1.0.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4609620; v5 updated 2025-12-16).
Full Breakdown
020, requires every covered landscape project, meaning new development with 500 square feet or more of landscaped area and rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more under subsection C, to plan its irrigation system around recycled water use. Subsection O requires new recycled water irrigation systems to be built so they can be switched over to recycled water for current or future use, and any system already running on recycled water must be designed and operated according to all applicable State and local law.
0 rather than the lower factor used to hold down the maximum applied water allowance elsewhere in the ordinance. b separately directs that, where available, recycled water is to be used as the water source for decorative fountains, ponds, and other water features rather than potable water. A project applicant must document its recycled water plan in the landscape documentation package submitted to the Director of Community Development under subsection D before a building or landscape permit issues, and the completed irrigation system is subject to a certified landscape irrigation audit before final sign-off.
Violations & Fines
Section 17.03.020 doesn't set a separate recycled-water fine; noncompliant landscape plans are enforced through the City's normal permit process. The Director of Community Development can withhold plan approval, a certificate of completion, or occupancy clearance until the irrigation design, including any recycled water plumbing, matches what was approved, and using recycled water without following State separation and signage rules can also draw enforcement from State health authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Norwalk require new landscaping to use recycled water?
What counts as a 'special landscape area' for recycled water?
Who reviews a recycled water irrigation plan in Norwalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norwalk
California rules heatmap·Compare Norwalk to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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