Riverside, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RMC §19.570.070
- Cross-referenced ordinance
- Chapter 14.28, Mandatory Use of Recycled Water
- Recycled-water landscapes
- Classified as 'special landscape area'
- ETAF cap, special landscape area
- 1.0 (vs. 0.55/0.45 standard)
- Graywater systems must meet
- Cal. Plumbing Code Title 24, Pt. 5, Ch. 16
Summary
Covered landscape projects in Riverside must design irrigation systems to allow current or future use of recycled water under RMC §19.570.070, which folds in Chapter 14.28's mandatory-use requirement by reference. Landscapes actually irrigated with recycled water get a looser water budget as a 'special landscape area.'
19.570.070 - Recycled water. A.The installation of recycled water irrigation systems shall allow for the current and future use of recycled water.B.All recycled water irrigation systems shall be designed and operated in accordance with local and State laws.C.Chapter 14.28 - The Mandatory Use of Recycled Water is hereby incorporated by reference.D.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: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
45 (nonresidential) cap that applies to potable-irrigated landscapes. 130(B)(5). 020).
Violations & Fines
Landscape and irrigation plans for a covered project that aren't designed to accommodate recycled water where required are rejected at Planning Division plan check, and the City won't issue a Certificate of Completion under §19.570.060 until the irrigation system is installed as approved. City Charter §417 makes an uncorrected violation of the adopted landscape ordinance a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine, six months' imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every new landscape in Riverside have to use recycled water?
Is graywater the same as recycled water under this code?
Does using recycled water let me exceed the normal water budget?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle recycled water rules.