Rainwater Harvesting: Fontana vs Rialto
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana allows residential rain barrels under Californias AB 1750 without a permit, but indoor plumbing connections and systems over 5,000 gallons need plumbing and building permits.
View full Fontana 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 | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | AB 1750 Rainwater Capture Act allows rooftop collection | - |
| Small rain barrels | No permit for standard 50-100 gallon residential barrels | - |
| Indoor plumbing | Plumbing permit required for connection to toilets or laundry | - |
| Large cisterns | Building permit triggered above 5,000 gallons | - |
| Mosquito control | Screened inlet required to prevent vector breeding | - |
| 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.
Fontana FAQ
Can I put a rain barrel at the corner of my Fontana house?
Yes. Standard above-ground rain barrels under a downspout are allowed without a permit as long as the inlet is screened against mosquitoes.
Do I need a permit to plumb rainwater into my toilet?
Yes. Any connection to indoor plumbing requires a plumbing permit, backflow prevention, and purple-pipe labeling under CA Plumbing Code Chapter 17.
Can my HOA block my rain barrel?
HOAs have some authority over visible equipment, but Civil Code 4735 protects water-efficient landscaping choices - check your CCRs carefully.
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).
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