Rainwater Harvesting: Chino vs Rialto
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rainwater capture is legal and encouraged in California under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750). Rialto requires no permit for rain barrels up to 5,000 gallons used outdoors. Larger cisterns and any indoor/potable use require plumbing permits and backflow protection per the California Plumbing Code.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Rain Barrel ≤360 gal | - | No permit required |
| Cistern >360 gal | - | Plumbing permit required |
| State Law | - | Water Code §10573 (AB 1750) |
| Code | - | CPC Ch. 15 / Ch. 17 |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Rialto?
No. Rain barrels up to 360 gallons (or up to 5,000 gallons of aggregate storage in some readings of CPC 1502.4) used for outdoor irrigation only do not require a permit. Larger systems or any indoor connection require a Building Safety Division permit.
Can I harvest rainwater to drink?
Potable use of harvested rainwater is not permitted under the California Plumbing Code without an engineered treatment system and Health Department approval. Stick to landscape irrigation and toilet flushing (with dual piping).
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Rialto 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