Rainwater Harvesting: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State authority | - | Rainwater Capture Act AB 1750 authorizes rooftop capture |
| Permit-exempt | - | Gravity rain barrels under 5,000 gal typically no permit |
| Plumbing code | - | CPC Chapter 17 governs larger or pressurized systems |
| 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.
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).
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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