Rainwater Harvesting: Rialto vs Victorville
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Rialto, CA and Victorville, CA?
Rialto and Victorville 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 →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 | Rialto | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
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).
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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