Pico Rivera, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- System mandate
- Dual-distribution recycled water required
- Use requirement
- Must use recycled water when available
- Exemption route
- Written waiver from Public Works Dept.
- Design standard
- Must meet local/state codes
- Applies to
- Landscapes 500+ sq ft new
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
In the City of Pico Rivera, qualifying new landscaping must install dual-distribution recycled water irrigation systems and actually use recycled water, unless the public works department grants a written exemption because recycled water is not available, would not meet health codes, or is impracticable due to physical or functional constraints on the site.
A. The installation of recycled water irrigation systems (i.e., dual distribution systems) shall be required to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption by the city's public works department has been granted stating that recycled water will not be available in the foreseeable future. B. Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the public works department stating that recycled water meeting all public health codes and standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future or where the physical constraints or functional difficulties would make the use of recycled water irrigation systems impracticable.
Full Breakdown
Section 13.90.100 of the Water Efficient Landscape ordinance requires the installation of recycled water irrigation systems, meaning dual distribution piping, to allow for current and future recycled water use, and further requires that irrigation systems actually make use of recycled water once available, not merely install the pipe and ignore it. Both mandates can be excused only by a written exemption from the public works department, granted where recycled water will not meet public health codes and standards, will not be available in the foreseeable future through the local water purveyor, or where physical constraints or functional difficulties would make a recycled water system impracticable.
Any recycled water irrigation system that is installed must still be designed to all local agency and state code requirements under Section 13.90.100(D). The chapter defines recycled water in Section 13.90.020 as reclaimed wastewater suitable for direct beneficial or controlled reuse rather than human consumption. This requirement applies within the same 500-square-foot new landscape or 2,500-square-foot rehabilitated landscape threshold set by Section 13.90.030, and it dovetails with the separate maximum applied water allowance calculation, since special landscape areas irrigated with recycled water get more favorable treatment in that water budget calculation reviewed by city planning staff.
Violations & Fines
A failure to install or use required recycled water infrastructure without an approved exemption is a violation of Chapter 13.90 under Section 13.90.080, enforceable as a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 or six months in jail, or as an infraction up to $250, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; the city may also bring a civil action for an injunction and recover its enforcement costs under Section 13.90.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get out of installing a recycled water irrigation system?
Does having recycled-water pipe installed mean I'm compliant?
Are there other design standards for a recycled water irrigation system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pico Rivera
California rules heatmap·Compare Pico Rivera to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle recycled water rules.