Philadelphia, PA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Plumbing Code Ch. 13, Nonpotable Water Systems
- Pressure limit
- 80 psi static before reducing valve required
- Sewer/potable separation
- 5 feet of undisturbed or compacted earth
- Piping material standard
- Must meet Section 605 nonpotable water rules
- Labeling requirement
- Section 608.9 marking on all reclaimed piping
- Abandonment rule
- Piping removed/disabled, tank sealed or filled with sand
Summary
Philadelphia regulates reclaimed and other nonpotable water under Plumbing Code Chapter 13, covering collection, storage, treatment and distribution systems, including piping supplied by a wastewater treatment facility for reuse in a building.
P-1301.1 General. The provisions of Chapter 13 shall govern the materials, design, construction and installation of systems for the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of nonpotable water. For nonpotable rainwater systems, the provisions of CSA B805/ICC 805 shall be an alternative for regulating the materials, design, construction and installation of systems for rainwater collection, storage, treatment and distribution of nonpotable water. The use and application of nonpotable water shall comply with laws, rules and ordinances applicable in the jurisdiction. ... SECTION 1304 RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEMS. P-1304.2 Water pressure-reducing valve or regulator. Where the reclaimed water pressure supplied to the building exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa) static, a pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to reduce the pressure in the reclaimed water distribution or water supply system piping to 80 psi (552 kPa) static or less. P-1304.3.1.1 Materials, joints and connections. Distribution piping or water supply piping conveying reclaimed water shall conform to standards and requirements specified in Section 605 for nonpotable water.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 13 of the Philadelphia Plumbing Code (Subcode P) governs any system that collects, stores, treats or distributes nonpotable water in a building, including reclaimed water piped in from a wastewater treatment facility. 1 states that use and application of nonpotable water must also comply with all other applicable laws, rules and ordinances, and lets nonpotable rainwater systems alternatively follow the CSA B805/ICC 805 standard. 8. 1 requires that distribution and water supply piping carrying reclaimed water conform to the Section 605 material, joint and connection standards for nonpotable water, with an exception carved out for irrigation piping located outside the building and downstream of a backflow preventer.
9, the same marking rule that applies to nonpotable rainwater and on-site reuse piping, so reclaimed lines cannot be mistaken for the potable supply. 3 materials. 10 requires the connecting piping to be removed or disabled, the fixtures reconnected to an approved potable supply, and any storage tank secured by sealing, locking or filling with sand.
Violations & Fines
The Department of Licenses and Inspections enforces the Plumbing Code through its permit and inspection process; installing or connecting reclaimed or nonpotable piping without the required pressure-reducing valve, correct materials, labeling or sewer separation is a code violation subject to a stop-work order, correction notice and the Plumbing Code's standard permit and inspection fees until the installation passes reinspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Philadelphia allow reclaimed water piping in buildings?
What pressure triggers a reducing valve on reclaimed water lines?
How close can reclaimed piping run to a sewer line?
What happens if a reclaimed water system is taken out of service?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
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