St. George, UT Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Secondary irrigation water available on-site
- Requirement
- Connect to secondary system, all outdoor use
- Exceptions
- City discretion for small beautification areas
- Applies to
- New development, footprint-expanding remodels
- Excluded zones
- Agriculture, gravel/grazing, open space, single-family
Summary
New development in St. George must tap the city's secondary (non-potable) irrigation water system for all outdoor watering whenever that system reaches the site, cutting demand on treated culinary water.
If secondary irrigation water is available, each project shall connect to the secondary system for all outdoor water use. The city may make minor exceptions, allowing use of treated water for outdoor plantings in small beautification areas, in its sole discretion.
C. Installation:
1. All landscape and irrigation installers shall have all required state and local licenses, insurance, bonding requirements, and be able to show proof of such upon request.
2. Landscaping and irrigation installation shall be completed as outlined in section 10-1-12.
3. Landscape and irrigation installers shall follow the plans found in the project’s landscape documentation package that have been signed and approved by the city.
4. Landscaping shall follow the city of St. George access management policy to properly define the safe-sight distances for intersections or driveways and follow height limitations and zoning requirements.
5. The city may inspect landscaping improvements and require corrective measures regarding the installation of site landscaping and irrigation-system improvements found not to comply with the approved landscape plan.
6. Soil preparation shall be provided to assure healthy growing conditions for the plants.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's minimum landscaping standards, any project with access to secondary irrigation water must connect to that secondary system for all outdoor water use rather than irrigate with treated culinary water. The city retains sole discretion to grant narrow exceptions, such as allowing treated water for small beautification plantings. The rule applies citywide to new development and to remodels that expand a building's footprint, and pairs with related landscaping rules capping lawn at 8% of landscaped area and requiring WaterSense smart controllers.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Title 10 is a class C misdemeanor under section 1-4-1, with each day or act a separate offense; the city may also seek injunctive relief to force compliance or halt the violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to single-family homes in St. George?
Can a developer use city culinary water for irrigation instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
Compare St. George to another location·View the Utah water use rules overview
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