Temecula, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Municipal Code Ch. 17.32, Water Efficient Landscape Design
- Decorative feature rule
- Recycled water required where available
- All water features
- Recirculating systems mandatory
- Applies to
- New landscape 500+ sq ft, rehab 2,500+ sq ft
- Approving department
- Director of Community Development
- Ongoing enforcement
- Local water purveyors, per Sec. 17.32.170(E)
- Last amended
- Ord. 2025-15, effective 11/18/2025
Summary
Temecula's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Chapter 17.32 of the Municipal Code, requires recirculating systems for every water feature and mandates recycled water for decorative water features whenever a recycled water supply is available. The rule applies to new landscape projects of 500 square feet or more and rehabilitated landscapes of 2,500 square feet or more that need a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review from Community Development.
O. Decorative Water Features. 1. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features. 2. Where available, recycled water shall be used for decorative water features. 3. The surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862229; v11 updated 2026-04-14).
Full Breakdown
060(O) sets the decorative water feature rule inside the Water Efficient Landscape Design chapter: recirculating water systems are mandatory for any water feature, and where a recycled water supply is available, that supply must be used for decorative fountains, ponds, and similar features rather than potable water. 020. 0. 030 to new construction landscape projects of 500 square feet or more and rehabilitated landscape projects of 2,500 square feet or more that require a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review. 060(P). 090 must be designed to accommodate a future conversion to nonpotable water in any area scheduled for it, meeting standards set by the city, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the State Department of Health Services, Riverside County's health department, and the local reclaimed water purveyor.
Before a certificate of use and occupancy issues, the project's landscape architect must certify in a letter of completion that the irrigation system and water features were installed as approved. The chapter was last amended by Ordinance 2025-15 on November 18, 2025.
Violations & Fines
Community Development will not approve a landscape or building permit, or issue a certificate of use and occupancy, without a compliant water budget and a signed letter of completion from a licensed landscape architect confirming installed water features meet Section 17.32.060(O). Under Section 17.32.170(E), the city relies on local water purveyors to enforce ongoing compliance for existing landscapes, including tiered water rate structures, irrigation audits, and penalties for water waste on properties misusing potable water in a feature designed for recycled supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Temecula require recycled water for backyard fountains?
What counts as a decorative water feature under the code?
Who enforces recycled water compliance after installation?
Does recycled water use change how much water a project can apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temecula
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