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Chapter 6 — WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

601.2 Water Supply and Flushing.

California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Each plumbing fixture shall be provided with an adequate supply of potable running water piped thereto in an approved manner, so arranged as to flush and keep it in a clean and sanitary condition without danger of backflow or cross-connection. Water closets and urinals shall be flushed using an approved flush tank or flushometer valve. Exceptions: (1) Listed fixtures that do not require water for their opera tion and are not connected to the water supply. (2) Where not deemed necessary for safety and sanitation by

the Authority Having Jurisdiction. (3) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] For limited-density owner-built

rural dwellings, potable water shall be available to the dwelling site, although such water need not be pressur- ized. Where water is not piped from a well, spring, cistern or other source, there shall be a minimum reserve of 50 gallons (189 L) of potable water available. Where water delivery is pressurized, piping shall be installed in accor- dance with the provisions of this chapter. (4) [HCD 1, HCD 2, DWR] For all residential occupan-

cies, alternate water sources may be allowed as speci- fied in Chapter 15 of this code in addition to potable water. (5) [BSC-CG, DWR] For non-residential occupancies,

alternate water sources may be allowed as specified in Chapter 15 of this code. (6) [DWR] Where a public agency requires a building to use

recycled water to flush water closets and urinals in accordance with California Water Code 13554. 601.2.1 Hot and Cold Water Required. In occupancies where plumbing fixtures are installed for private use, hot water shall be required for bathing, washing, laundry, cooking purposes, dishwashing or maintenance. In occupancies where plumbing fixtures are installed for public use, hot water shall be required for bathing and washing purposes. This requirement shall not supersede the requirements for individual temperature control limitations for public lavatories and public and private bidets, bathtubs, whirlpool bathtubs, and shower control valves. 601.2.2 Submeters. [HCD 1] Submeters (or meters) shall be installed to measure potable and reclaimed (recycled) water (hot and cold) that is supplied for the exclusive use of an individual dwelling unit within a newly constructed, multiunit rental residential structure; or for the use of an individual dwelling unit within a newly constructed mixed-use rental residential/commer- cial structure. Submeters (or meters) shall be installed

in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

See Water Code Section 517 for definitions of “multiunit residential structure” and “mixed-use resi- dential and commercial structure.” See also Civil Code commencing with Section 1954.201. Exemptions: (1) Long-term health care facilities as defined in Health

and Safety Code Section 1418. (2) Low-income housing as defined in Health and Safety

Code Section 17922.14 (c)(2)(B). (3) Residential care facilities for the elderly as defined

in Health and Safety Code Section 1569.2 (p)(1). (4) Housing at a place of education as defined in Title

24 of the California Code of Regulations, Califor- nia Building Code, Part 2, Section 202. (5) Time-share property as defined in Business and Pro-

fessions Code Section 11212, Subdivision (aa). 601.2.2.1 Approved Submeters. [HCD 1] Sub- meters (or meters) shall be approved in accordance with the Business and Professions Code, Division 5. 601.2.2.2 Submeter Testing. [HCD 1] Submeter (or meter) testing shall be in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Division 9, Chapter 3, Article 1; Civil Code, Division 3, Part 4, Title 5; and Business and Professions Code, Divi- sion 5.

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