Sparks, NV Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)

Chapter 13.85 of the Sparks Municipal Code, the "Requirements and Schedule of Rates and Charges for Reclaimed Water Service," governs the city's separate reclaimed water system. Section 13.85.020(B)(1) limits who can receive service: commercial landscape, roadway medians, golf courses, parks, agricultural fields with limitations, subdivision common areas and construction water qualify, but "service shall not be provided for individual residential landscape." Every applicant must complete a city application, submit construction plans, and pay all required fees before connecting, and each customer must first hold an effluent management plan and permit approved by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection under Section 13.85.020(A).

Sprinkler irrigation using reclaimed water may run only between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., though drip irrigation is allowed at any time under Section 13.85.020(B)(10)(a). Irrigated sites must be posted with conspicuous warning signs stating that reclaimed water is used and should not be contacted, and drinking fountains must be covered during spray irrigation. Connection isn't free: Section 13.85.040(B) sets a per-acre-foot connection fee, historically $7,530 to $10,612 depending on the pressure zone and year, adjustable annually to the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index.

Ongoing use is billed under Section 13.85.030 at $0.96 per 1,000 gallons plus a monthly base rate that scales with meter size, from $46.30 for a 1½-inch meter up to $2,685.30 for a 12-inch meter. The Public Works Director administers the program and can discontinue service for tampering, unpermitted cross-connections, or a delinquent bill under Section 13.85.090.