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From the 2015 UPC Illustrated Training Manual
1503.7 Reclaimed (Recycled) Water System Color
and Marking Information.
Reclaimed (recycled) water systems shall have a colored background and marking information in accordance with Section 601.3 of this code.
According to Section 601.3, when dual (potable and nonpotable) systems are installed in the same building, the potable water piping shall be labeled a green background with white lettering. The background colors and required information shall be indicated every 20 feet and shall be labeled in each room and visible from the floor. (See the Reclaimed (Recycled) Water System Color and Marking Information Quick Reference Table following this section.) Many manufactures are already supplying prelettered and colored piping for most applications.
ALL ALTERNATE WATER SYSTEMS SHALL HAVE A PURPLE (Pantone color No. 512, 522C, or equivalent) background with upper case lettering and shall be field or factory marked as follows in the Quick Reference Table (see Figure 1503.7a and 1503.7b).
Figure 1502.2a shows the color requirements for a gray water subsoil irrigation system. Although it was not the intention of this code section to require the applicable color and markings for existing landscape irrigation piping when it converts to an alternate water source, the language does not include an exception for pre-existing uncolored and unmarked piping. Until this is further clarified in the code, check with the AHJ for existing piping requirements when converting to an alternate water source.
| Reclaimed (Recycled) Water System Color and Marking Information Quick Reference Table |
| Gray water |
“CAUTION: NONPOTABLE
GRAY
WATER, DO NOT
DRINK” |
Yellow letters (pantone 108 or equivalent) |
| Reclaimed |
“CAUTION: NONPOTABLE RECLAIMED WATER, DO NOT DRINK” |
Black lettering |
| On-site
treated water |
“CAUTION: ON-SITE TREATED NONPOTABLE WATER, DO NOT DRINK” |
Yellow letters (pantone 108 or equivalent |
| Rainwater
systems |
“CAUTION: NONPOTABLE RAINWATER, DO NOT DRINK” |
Yellow letters (pantone 108 or equivalent |


The 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code Illustrated Training Manual eBook is available for purchase here.
© 2017 International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. |