Rainwater Harvesting: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Rainwater harvesting for irrigation is legal in San Bernardino under the CA Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. Simple rooftop barrels up to 5,000 gallons need no permit; pressurized systems need plumbing permits.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Water Code sections 10573-10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) | Rainwater Capture Act AB 1750 authorizes rooftop capture |
| Plumbing code | Cal. Plumbing Code Chapter 17 (catchment systems) | CPC Chapter 17 governs larger or pressurized 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 | - |
| Permit-exempt | - | Gravity rain barrels under 5,000 gal typically no permit |
| Cross-connection | - | Backflow prevention required if tied to potable plumbing |
| Vector control | - | Tanks must be screened to prevent mosquito breeding |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in San Bernardino?
A simple downspout rain barrel feeding landscape drip irrigation generally needs no permit, as long as it discharges on your own lot and is not connected to house plumbing.
Can I use rainwater for toilets or laundry?
Yes but only through a permitted system that meets CPC Chapter 17 requirements, including backflow prevention and inspection by the Building Division.
Is there a rebate for installing rainwater systems?
Regional water agencies and Metropolitan Water District periodically offer rebates per gallon of storage; check SBMWD and MWDH2O.com for current programs.
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