REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF BOARD GOVERNED COUNTY SERVICE AREAS
AND RECORD OF ACTION
March 10, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Introduction of an Ordinance for Regional Recycled Water Distribution System for County Service Area 70, Improvement Zone GH (Glen Helen)
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body for County Service Area 70, Improvement Zone GH (Glen Helen):
1. Consider proposed ordinance relating to the Regional Recycled Water Distribution System and establish the availability, permitted uses, and regulatory framework for the use of recycled water produced by the Lytle Creek North Wastewater Recycling Plant within County Service Area 70, Improvement Zone GH (Glen Helen).
2. Make alterations, if necessary, to the proposed ordinance.
3. Approve introduction of proposed ordinance.
• An ordinance of San Bernardino County, State of California, acting as the governing body for County Service Area 70, Improvement Zone GH (Glen Helen), to establish the availability and to regulate the permitted use of recycled water from the Lytle Creek North Wastewater Recycling Plant.
4. SCHEDULE ORDINANCE FOR FINAL ADOPTION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026, on the Consent Calendar.
5. Find that the proposed ordinance is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061 - Common Sense Exemption.
6. Direct the Department of Public Works to file a Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Improve County Government Operations.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Any future capital or operational costs associated with implementation of the recycled water system will be subject to separate Board of Supervisors’ approval.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The San Bernardino County, Department of Public Works - Special Districts owns and operates the Lytle Creek North Wastewater Recycling Plant (WWRP), located within County Service Area 70, Improvement Zone GH (Glen Helen) (CSA 70 GH). In alignment with the State of California’s Recycled Water Act of 1991 and the Water Recycling Law, CSA 70 GH is implementing a Recycled Water Distribution System to promote the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater.
The proposed Regional Recycled Water Ordinance establishes the legal framework for the use and regulation of recycled water produced by the WWRP. The ordinance is intended to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, and to protect public health and safety while maximizing the use of recycled water for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation, industrial processes, construction, and groundwater recharge.
This ordinance defines the responsibilities of recycled water customers, outlines enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance, and sets forth the administrative procedures for permitting, service delivery, and rate setting. It also provides San Bernardino County with the authority to manage and oversee the recycled water system within the boundaries of CSA 70 GH.
The consideration of this proposed ordinance supports the County’s long-term water sustainability goals and enhances regional water supply reliability by reducing dependence on potable water sources for non-potable uses.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on February 4, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Dalton, Administrative Analyst, 387-5005) on February 5, 2026.