Sonoma, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

32, the City of Sonoma's Water-Efficient Landscaping ordinance, treats recycled water as a required resource, not an option, wherever it is accessible. 040(B)(3) sets three rules for water features on covered landscape projects: recirculating systems are mandatory for any pond, fountain, or artificial stream; recycled water must be used for those features whenever it is available on site; and a water feature's surface area still counts in the high-water-use hydrozone for the project's water budget regardless of whether it runs on recycled or potable water.

030 defines 'recycled water' as 'tertiary treated water which results from the treatment of wastewater, is suitable for direct beneficial use, and conforms to the definition of disinfected tertiary recycled water in accordance with state law,' tracking the state Health and Safety Code standard. 040(A)(8) requires the landscape design plan to identify areas irrigated with recycled water. 030(56), a designation that affects how the site's Maximum Applied Water Allowance is calculated. 32: new landscapes of 500 square feet or more and rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more that need a building or grading permit, plan check, or design review.