Rainwater Harvesting: Chino vs Ontario
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Rainwater harvesting from rooftops for outdoor irrigation is allowed in California without a water-right permit under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code section 10574). Chino does not prohibit residential rain barrels or cisterns. Larger above-ground tanks may trigger building/zoning review under Title 15 and Title 20 (setbacks, height of accessory structures). Mosquito control under California Code of Regulations Title 17 requires covered/screened storage.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets Ontario residents collect roof rainwater for outdoor use without a permit for simple barrels. Large cisterns and indoor use require plumbing permits.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Water Code sections 10573-10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) | - |
| Plumbing code | Cal. Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (catchment systems) | - |
| Mosquito prevention | CCR Title 17 section 2820 (covered/screened storage) | - |
| Local permit | Title 15 building permit for large cisterns / plumbed systems | - |
| Potable use | Not allowed without treatment per state and CPC standards | - |
| State law | - | Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) |
| Small barrels | - | Generally no permit |
| Large cisterns | - | Plumbing permit required |
| Indoor use | - | Permit and backflow device |
| Mosquito control | - | Screen all openings |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Chino?
No permit is required for typical rain barrels under 50-100 gallons used for outdoor irrigation. Larger cisterns or systems plumbed into the house need a Title 15 building permit and must follow Cal. Plumbing Code Chapter 17.
Can I drink harvested rainwater?
No. State law only allows harvested rainwater for nonpotable uses (landscape, flushing) unless treated to potable standards under the California Plumbing Code.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 55-gallon rain barrel in Ontario?
Typically no, if it is above-ground, gravity-fed, screened against mosquitoes, and used only for outdoor irrigation.
Can I plumb rainwater to flush my toilets?
Yes, but only with a plumbing permit, a licensed contractor, Appendix K-compliant treatment, and approved backflow prevention.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Ontario compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool