Santa Clara, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- SCCC Ch. 13.15, Art. IV
- Potable irrigation
- Barred where recycled water available
- Nonpotable uses
- Recycled water required if feasible
- Enforcement
- Director / field inspectors
- Max administrative penalty
- $1,000 per day
- Adopted
- Ord. 1705, Oct. 21, 1997
Summary
Santa Clara Municipal Code Chapter 13.15 bars potable water for landscape irrigation once recycled water reaches a site and meets applicable standards, and requires recycled water for other nonpotable uses when it's available, standards-compliant, and economically feasible. The Water and Sewer Utilities Director enforces the rule under the City's rules and regulations for water service and use.
§ 13.15.150. Recycled water regulations. The requirements contained in the City's recycled water regulations are hereby adopted and incorporated by this reference and made a part of the City's rules and regulations for water service and use. ... § 13.15.160. Purpose and intent of regulation of recycled water service and use. (a) It is the purpose and intent of the City Council to prohibit the use of potable water for landscape irrigation where recycled water is made available and meets all applicable standards. (b) It is also the purpose and intent of the City Council to require the use of recycled water for all other nonpotable uses where recycled water is made available, meets all applicable standards for those uses and is determined to be suitable and economically feasible therefor.
Full Breakdown
160 sets the policy behind that adoption: subsection (a) directs the City to prohibit potable water for landscape irrigation wherever recycled water is made available and meets applicable standards, and subsection (b) directs the City to require recycled water for other nonpotable uses once it is available, standards-compliant, and determined suitable and economically feasible. 15, alongside Article II's general water-use restrictions and Article VI's landscape water efficiency standards adopted under the state Water Conservation in Landscaping Act. 220 backs the chapter with administrative penalties of up to $1,000 per day, excluding inspection or cleanup costs, and lets the Director require a security deposit for violations involving interference, tampering, theft of water, or unauthorized disconnection.
Violations & Fines
Violating the recycled-water rules, or the City's incorporated rules and regulations for water service and use, is unlawful under § 13.15.200 and prosecutable as a criminal, civil, or administrative matter at the City Attorney's discretion. § 13.15.220 authorizes administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day, plus a security deposit where the violation involves tampering, theft, or unauthorized disconnection of service, with funds routed to the water compliance fee account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my lawn with tap water in Santa Clara if a recycled water line runs past my property?
Does Santa Clara require recycled water for anything besides landscaping?
What can the City do if I keep using potable water in violation of the recycled water rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California water use rules overview
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Recycled Water Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle recycled water rules.