Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Elk Grove under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750). Rooftop rain barrels do not require a permit. Larger cisterns or systems connected to indoor plumbing require building and plumbing permits.
California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750, codified at Water Code §10574) authorizes property owners to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable onsite use without a water right. In Elk Grove, residential rain barrels and above-ground tanks up to about 360 gallons installed on gravity feed for outdoor irrigation are exempt from building permits when sited on stable ground and not connected to potable plumbing. Cisterns larger than that, underground tanks, and systems that use pumps or tie into a home's plumbing require plumbing and building permits and must include backflow prevention to protect the public water system. Cal Water and the Regional Water Authority periodically offer rebates for qualifying rain barrels. Rainwater may be used for lawn, garden, and ornamental irrigation, and toilet flushing or laundry if the system is properly permitted.
Unpermitted installation of a large cistern or pressurized system: stop-work order and after-the-fact permit fees. Improper cross-connection with potable plumbing: correction order plus possible backflow fines from Cal Water.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Elk Grove's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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