Rainwater Harvesting: Altadena vs Carson
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena and Carson have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Rainwater harvesting is legal and actively encouraged in unincorporated LA County. LADWP offers rebates for rain barrels. The LACFCD promotes distributed stormwater capture projects including rain gardens and rain barrels. No permits required for residential collection systems.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code §§10573–10574) authorizes residential and commercial property owners to install rooftop rainwater capture systems without a water right permit. Carson does not impose a separate local prohibition; small rain barrel installations (≤100 gallons aggregate, gravity-fed) are exempt from plumbing permits under CPC §1602.10.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal, no permit required | - |
| Rebates | LADWP and water district programs | - |
| LACFCD | Promotes distributed capture | - |
| Uses | Irrigation, non-potable purposes | - |
| State authority | - | Water Code §§10573–10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) |
| Permit exemption | - | ≤100 gallons gravity-fed barrels — CPC §1602.10 |
| Permit required | - | Systems >100 gal or plumbed into building |
| LID credit | - | Eligible for Low Impact Development credit under MS4 permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Is rainwater harvesting legal in LA County?
Yes. California Water Code 10573-10574 explicitly permits residential rainwater collection. No permit is needed for systems under 5,000 gallons. It's actively encouraged for water conservation and stormwater management.
Can I use rainwater for drinking?
Captured rainwater can be used for irrigation and non-potable purposes. Using it for drinking water requires treatment and is subject to additional regulations. Most residential use is for landscape irrigation.
Are there rebates for rain barrels in LA County?
Some water districts offer $35-$75 rain barrel rebates. Check with your specific water provider. The LA County Flood Control District's Safe Clean Water Program also promotes rainwater capture. Visit safecleanwaterla.org for resources.
Carson FAQ
Can I install a rain barrel in Carson without a permit?
Yes — gravity-fed rainwater barrels totaling 100 gallons or less are exempt from plumbing permits under California Plumbing Code §1602.10.
Can I use harvested rainwater indoors?
Indoor non-potable uses (toilet flushing, clothes washing) require a plumbing permit and compliance with California Plumbing Code Chapter 16 alternate water source requirements.
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