LA County Sanitation Districts produce tertiary-treated recycled water at facilities like Whittier Narrows and San Jose Creek for irrigation and industrial use, distributed through purple-pipe systems regulated under LACO Title 11.38 and Title 22 CCR.
LA County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) supply recycled water from facilities including Whittier Narrows, San Jose Creek, and Long Beach to large landscape, golf course, and industrial customers across the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. Distribution lines are color-coded purple under California Code of Regulations Title 22 to prevent cross-connection with potable mains. LACO Title 11.38 sets county requirements for backflow prevention, signage, dual-plumbing in new commercial/industrial buildings within designated recycled-water service areas, and operator training. Recycled water meets disinfected tertiary standards approved for landscape irrigation, dust control, toilet flushing in commercial buildings, and industrial process water.
Cross-connecting recycled water to potable systems is a serious public-health violation: immediate shutoff, mandatory inspection, fines up to $1,000 per day, and possible misdemeanor charges under California Health and Safety Code.
See how Santa Monica's recycled water rules rules stack up against other locations.
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