Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Bakersfield under the California Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code §10573). Rooftop catchment to barrels and tanks does not require a water right permit. Larger systems, use of graywater-style distribution, and potable indoor use trigger California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 and building permit requirements.
Under California Water Code §10573, residential and commercial property owners may capture rainwater from rooftops without obtaining a water right permit from the State Water Resources Control Board. In Bakersfield, barrels and above-ground cisterns under 5,000 gallons for outdoor landscape irrigation are permitted without a building permit so long as the tank is properly supported and secured against seismic events. Systems integrated into plumbing for indoor non-potable uses (toilet flushing, laundry) must comply with California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 and require a building permit through the Bakersfield Building Division. Potable use requires additional treatment and is rarely approved for residential. The San Joaquin Valley's limited rainfall (approximately 6-7 inches annually) limits harvesting yield, but captured water can significantly offset summer irrigation. No county or city rebate program is currently offered in Bakersfield specifically for rain barrels, but Cal Water customers may qualify for turf replacement rebates that complement rainwater systems.
Installing a plumbed rainwater system without a permit can trigger stop-work orders and penalty-doubled permit fees. Unsupported or improperly anchored large tanks may violate the city building code and create liability. There are no prohibitions on simple rain barrels properly installed.
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