Rainwater Harvesting: Chino vs Victorville
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Chino, CA and Victorville, CA?
Chino and Victorville 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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets Victorville residents collect roof rainwater for outdoor use without a permit for simple barrels. Large cisterns and indoor use require plumbing permits.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Annual rainfall | - | About 5 inches in Victor Valley |
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.
Victorville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 55-gallon rain barrel in Victorville?
Typically no, if it is above-ground, gravity-fed, screened against mosquitoes, and used only for outdoor irrigation. Keep it elevated so stored water stays cool in extreme heat.
Is rainwater harvesting worth it in the High Desert?
Yields are limited by about 5 inches of annual rainfall, but even a few hundred gallons per year can water a small native bed and reduce potable irrigation during watering restrictions.
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