Paramount, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Stage 2 trigger
- 20% consumer demand reduction declared necessary
- Recycled water mandate
- Only recycled water for construction site dust control and backfill consolidation
- Definition
- Reclamation and reuse of non-potable water for beneficial use
- Article 5 exemption
- Use of recycled water is outside the article
- Effective date
- Tenth day after the Council declares the stage
Summary
In the City of Paramount, a declared Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage requires that only recycled water be used for construction site dust control and consolidation of backfill. Article 5 defines recycled water as the reclamation and reuse of non-potable water for beneficial use, and its watering limits do not apply to recycled water.
A. A Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage condition exists when the City determines, in its sole discretion, that due to drought or other water supply conditions, a water supply shortage exists and a 20% consumer demand reduction is necessary to make more efficient use of water and appropriately respond to existing water conditions. ... B. Additional Conservation Measures. In addition to the prohibited uses of water identified in Section 13.04.520, the following additional water conservation requirements apply during a declared Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage: ... 4. Use only recycled water for construction site dust control, consolidation of backfill.
Full Breakdown
Paramount Municipal Code § 13.04.530(B)(4) turns on at Stage 2, which exists when the City determines that a 20% consumer demand reduction is necessary. Once the City Council declares the stage by resolution, the measure takes effect on the tenth day after the declaration under § 13.04.580. From then on, construction site dust control and the consolidation of backfill must use recycled water rather than potable water from the City system.
The term is defined in § 13.04.500 as the reclamation and reuse of non-potable water for beneficial use. Article 5 is a potable water program: § 13.04.510 applies it to potable water provided by the City and states that it does not apply to the use of recycled water. The same logic shows up in Stage 5, where the restriction on watering or irrigating lawn, landscape or other vegetated area does not apply to recycled water. The article sets no separate permit, supplier or use-site standard for recycled water, so the operative text is the one-line Stage 2 mandate and the definition.
Stage 2 adds other measures on top of the Stage 1 prohibitions. Fountains and decorative water features must use re-circulating water, vehicle washing is limited to a hand-held bucket or similar container or a hand-held hose with a positive self-closing shut-off nozzle, and restaurants are prohibited from providing drinking water unless the person expressly requests it. The City Council can add other prohibited uses after notice to customers.
Violations & Fines
Stage 1 and Stage 2 violations in the City of Paramount start with a courtesy door hanger and a copy of the article by mail. A second violation within 12 calendar months carries a fine not to exceed $100.00, a third $150.00, a fourth $200.00, and a fifth and later violation $500.00. The City can install a flow restrictor after 48 hours of written notice, and any violation of City ordinances can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor with a fine not exceeding $1,000.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must construction sites in the City of Paramount use recycled water?
Do Paramount's watering limits apply to recycled water?
How does the code define recycled water?
What else changes at Stage 2?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paramount
California rules heatmap·Compare Paramount to another location·View the California water use rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycled water rules.