Folsom, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

The California Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750, Wat. Code §10574) authorizes residential rainwater harvesting from rooftops for non-potable landscape uses without a water rights permit. Folsom residents may install rain barrels (typically 50-80 gallons) and larger cisterns up to 5,000 gallons capacity without a building permit when used for outdoor irrigation only. Larger systems or any potable/indoor use triggers plumbing permit requirements under the CA Plumbing Code (Chapter 17) and health department review. Installation best practices: secure barrels to prevent tipping, use screened inlets to exclude mosquitoes (important under Sac-Yolo MVCD rules), place overflow away from structures and neighbor properties, and divert first-flush to remove roof debris. Systems connected to an existing potable supply require cross-connection/backflow protection per Folsom Utilities standards. HOAs cannot prohibit rain barrels on aesthetic grounds if they are reasonably screened (AB 2104 solar/water efficiency protections). Harvested rainwater qualifies as non-potable supply under Title 22 and can offset drought-stage restrictions on traditional irrigation.