Recycled (purple-pipe) water is available for landscape irrigation in parts of Sacramento, governed by Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and city plumbing standards. Cross-connection with potable systems is strictly prohibited.
Sacramento's recycled-water network primarily serves commercial parks, freeway landscaping, and some master-planned subdivisions in North Natomas and along the Sacramento River corridor. Use is governed by California Code of Regulations Title 22 §60301-60355, which sets disinfection, signage, and cross-connection-control standards. Purple-coded piping and sprinkler heads are required. Annual cross-connection inspections by SacDOU verify air gaps and check valves. Drinking, hand-washing, and food-crop irrigation with recycled water are prohibited; signage at every hose bib must display 'Do Not Drink — Recycled Water.'
Cross-connecting recycled water to potable lines triggers immediate service shutoff, mandatory testing, and fines up to $5,000 per day under California Health & Safety Code. Missing signage or color-coding triggers progressive citations.
Sacramento, CA
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See how Sacramento's recycled water rules rules stack up against other locations.
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