Water MeasurementIrrigated Landscape

Section § 535

Explanation

This law requires water suppliers in California to install separate water meters for new water services starting January 1, 2008, specifically for measuring water used for landscaping. However, this does not apply to single-family homes or connections supplying water for commercial agriculture. The law applies if the property has over 5,000 square feet of irrigated landscape and is served by a provider with at least 15 connections. 'New retail water service' refers to water meters installed where service wasn't available before and excludes applications submitted before January 1, 2007.

(a)CA Water Code § 535(a) A water purveyor shall require as a condition of new retail water service on and after January 1, 2008, the installation of separate water meters to measure the volume of water used exclusively for landscape purposes.
(b)CA Water Code § 535(b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to either of the following:
(1)CA Water Code § 535(b)(1) Single-family residential connections.
(2)CA Water Code § 535(b)(2) Connections used to supply water for the commercial production of agricultural crops or livestock.
(c)CA Water Code § 535(c) Subdivision (a) applies only to a service connection for which both of the following apply:
(1)CA Water Code § 535(c)(1) The connection serves property with more than 5,000 square feet of irrigated landscape.
(2)CA Water Code § 535(c)(2) The connection is supplied by a water purveyor that serves 15 or more service connections.
(d)CA Water Code § 535(d) For the purposes of this section, “new retail water service” means the installation of a new water meter where water service has not been previously provided, and does not include applications for new water service submitted before January 1, 2007.
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