Updates
Important Update: Onsite Treatment and Reuse of Nonpotable Water Regulations
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is issuing an industry notice regarding the Onsite Treatment and Reuse of Nonpotable Water Regulations (Title 22, Chapter 3.5), which became effective at the State level on April 22, 2026.
As a result of these State regulations, Public Health is unable to accept, review and approve any new plans for alternate water systems—such as graywater, blackwater, stormwater, or roof runoff—for nonpotable use within the following types of facilities:
- Commercial buildings, except for medical care facilities*
- Mixed use buildings
- Multifamily residential buildings (3 or more dwelling units)
The regulations do not apply to the following types of water systems and activities:
- Untreated Residential Graywater Systems: Systems used exclusively for subsurface irrigation are excluded. These remain regulated under Chapter 15 of the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5).
- Untreated Rainwater Systems: Systems used exclusively for surface, sub-surface, or drip irrigation are excluded. These fall under Chapter 16 of the California Plumbing Code.
Public Health will continue to accept, review, and approve plans for single family residential (1 to 2 units) and government owned properties, as well as subsurface irrigation projects utilizing untreated graywater or untreated rainwater.
Public Health is developing a local ordinance to implement the Onsite Treatment and Reuse of Nonpotable Water Regulations (Title 22, Chapter 3.5). Upon adoption of the new ordinance, all currently operating systems are required to be upgraded to meet the new regulations. Non-potable Water Systems that are not upgraded by April 21, 2028, deadline must be decommissioned, however an extension to upgrade may be granted until April 21, 2031.
For more information visit the website at: Regulations for Onsite Treatment and Reuse of Nonpotable Water.
Public Health will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Alternate Water System Plan Submission
Fresh water is a limited resource, especially in California. One way to make our fresh water supply last longer is by recycling wastewater so that it can be used again. Recycled water, sometimes called reclaimed water or wastewater reuse, must be held to high standards to keep our water safe, eliminate the spread of infectious disease, and protect public health while helping us to conserve our fresh water supplies.
Recycled water reuse sites are places that use recycled water. These sites must be carefully designed and approved by local government before they can begin to use recycled water.
Rainwater collection and storm runoff water can also be collected and used for residential landscaping. Public Health has developed requirements for collecting and using stormwater.
Recycled water is limited to uses that are approved by the California Department of Public Health, the Regional Water Quality Control Board - Los Angeles Division, and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health. The main use of recycled water in Los Angeles County is for watering large landscapes. Recycled water is not allowed to be used as drinking water.
What We Do
The Cross Connection & Water Pollution Control Program of Environmental Health is responsible for the oversight of recycled water re-use sites from the planning stage through final approval. We work to convert new and existing large landscape irrigation systems and certain industrial facilities to recycled water. The Program ensures that all projects use water quality criteria and follow all health laws related to recycled water. This responsibility extends to consultation with project managers and engineering staff regarding plan check; attending construction meetings; conducting on-site field reviews; and granting the final approval for the safe use of recycled water.
Areas We Serve
For questions call the Cross Connection & Water Pollution Control Program at 626-430-5290.
Business Information and Documents
Report a Problem
Call the Cross Connections Program at 626-430-5290 or call the Environmental Health Call Center at 888-700-9995.