Murrieta, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750, codified at Water Code section 10574) allows property owners to capture rainwater from rooftops for onsite non-potable use without a water-rights permit. In Murrieta, small rain barrels and above-ground totes up to approximately 100 gallons are treated as accessory landscape equipment and do not require a building permit as long as they sit on stable ground, are not plumbed into the home's pressurized water supply, and do not create vector (mosquito) conditions. Larger cisterns, underground storage, and any system that pressurizes water for drip irrigation or toilet flushing must comply with California Plumbing Code Chapter 15 (Non-Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems) and typically require both a plumbing permit and a building permit through the Murrieta Development Services Department.

Cross-connection protection (backflow) is required where rainwater systems interact with potable plumbing. Rancho California Water District and Western MWD periodically offer rebates of 35 to 100 dollars per rain barrel through the SoCal Water$mart program. Mosquito control requires tight-fitting screens on all openings; the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District can inspect complaint-based.