Rowlett, TX Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Piping color
- Purple components required
- Backflow protection
- Air gap or reduced-pressure device
- Signage
- 8x8-inch bilingual do-not-drink sign
- Crop contact
- Banned unless crop is pasteurized
- Spray limit
- Cannot cross onto neighboring property
Summary
Rowlett allows reclaimed (recycled) water in landscape irrigation only with purple-coded piping, backflow protection on the potable line, no spray across property lines, and bilingual warning signage.
Reclaimed water may be utilized in landscape irrigation systems if: (a)There is no direct contact with edible crops, unless the crop is pasteurized before consumption;(b)The irrigation system does not spray water across property lines that are not all owned by the irrigation system's owner;(c)The irrigation system is installed using purple components; ... (e)A minimum of an eight-inch by eight-inch sign, in English and Spanish, is prominently posted...that reads, "RECLAIMED WATER - DO NOT DRINK" and "AGUA DE RECUPERACION - NO BEBER".
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29).
Full Breakdown
Section 78-458 of the Rowlett Code of Ordinances (Article XIII - Lawn Irrigation Systems, Chapter 78, Buildings) permits reclaimed water in landscape irrigation systems within city limits, but only if six conditions are met: no direct contact with edible crops unless pasteurized before eating; no spray crossing onto property the irrigation owner doesn't own; purple-coded system components; the potable water line protected by an air gap or reduced-pressure backflow device; a minimum eight-by-eight-inch bilingual sign reading 'RECLAIMED WATER - DO NOT DRINK' / 'AGUA DE RECUPERACION - NO BEBER'; and backflow prevention on the reclaimed line matching city and water-provider standards.
Violations & Fines
Installing or operating a reclaimed-water irrigation hookup without meeting § 78-458's conditions is a code violation, and any irrigation work also requires the § 78-452 permit; Rowlett's general penalty (§ 1-13) reaches a fine up to $500.00 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I irrigate my lawn with reclaimed water in Rowlett?
Why does Rowlett require purple pipe for reclaimed water systems?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rowlett
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How other cities in Dallas County handle recycled water rules.