Rainwater Harvesting: Midway City vs Mission Viejo
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Midway City, CA and Mission Viejo, CA?
Midway City and Mission Viejo have similar restriction levels.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
The 2012 Rainwater Capture Act allows California residents to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable outdoor use without a state water-right permit, preempting most local barriers.
View full Midway City rules βMission Viejo, CA
Orange County
The 2012 Rainwater Capture Act allows California residents to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable outdoor use without a state water-right permit, preempting most local barriers.
View full Mission Viejo rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Mission Viejo |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Water Code 10573 | Water Code 10573 |
| Permit needed | No for rooftop barrels | No for rooftop barrels |
| Use | Non-potable outdoor only | Non-potable outdoor only |
| Code reference | Title 24 Part 5 Ch 17 | Title 24 Part 5 Ch 17 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a state water right to collect rain?
No. The Rainwater Capture Act exempts rooftop rainwater collected on the property where it falls from the appropriative water rights system.
Can a city ban rain barrels entirely?
No. State law authorizes residential rooftop capture, though cities may regulate large cisterns, plumbing connections, and structural permits.
Mission Viejo FAQ
Do I need a state water right to collect rain?
No. The Rainwater Capture Act exempts rooftop rainwater collected on the property where it falls from the appropriative water rights system.
Can a city ban rain barrels entirely?
No. State law authorizes residential rooftop capture, though cities may regulate large cisterns, plumbing connections, and structural permits.
Compare other topics
See how Midway City and Mission Viejo 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