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Ontario, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State law
Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750)
Small barrels
Generally no permit
Large cisterns
Plumbing permit required
Indoor use
Permit and backflow device
Mosquito control
Screen all openings

Summary

California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750) lets Ontario residents collect roof rainwater for outdoor use without a permit for simple barrels. Large cisterns and indoor use require plumbing permits.

AB-1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. An act to amend Section 7027.5 of the Business and Professions Code, and to add Part 2.4 (commencing with Section 10570) to Division 6 of the Water Code, relating to water. This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10573. Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part: (a) "Developed or developing lands" means lands that have one or more of the characteristics described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 56375.3 of the Government Code. (b) "Rain barrel system" is a type of rainwater capture system that does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to or reliant on a potable water system. (c) "Rainwater" means precipitation on any public or private parcel that has not entered an offsite storm drain system or channel, a flood control channel, or any other stream channel, and has not previously been put to beneficial use. (d) "Rainwater capture system" means a facility designed to capture, retain, and store rainwater flowing off a building rooftop for subsequent onsite use. 10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.

Source: California Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750)View official code

Full Breakdown

The California Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code 10573 et seq., added by AB 1750) authorizes residents and businesses to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable use without a state water right. California Plumbing Code Appendix K and the California Building Standards Commission set technical standards for rainwater harvesting systems. In Ontario, simple above-ground rain barrels under 55 to 100 gallons collected at downspouts for outdoor irrigation generally do not require a permit from the city, so long as they are stable, screened to prevent mosquito breeding (per Vector Control), and do not cross-connect to potable plumbing. Larger cisterns, buried tanks, pressurized systems, or any system feeding indoor plumbing such as toilet flushing require a plumbing permit from Ontario Building and Safety and a licensed plumbing contractor. Backflow preventers are required where any connection to city water supplements the cistern. Graywater systems are separately governed by Plumbing Code Chapter 16 (sometimes called Chapter 16A locally).

Violations & Fines

Unpermitted pressurized or indoor rainwater systems can trigger a stop work order and required correction. Mosquito breeding violations are cited by San Bernardino County Mosquito and Vector Control rather than the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a 55-gallon rain barrel in Ontario?
Typically no, if it is above-ground, gravity-fed, screened against mosquitoes, and used only for outdoor irrigation.
Can I plumb rainwater to flush my toilets?
Yes, but only with a plumbing permit, a licensed contractor, Appendix K-compliant treatment, and approved backflow prevention.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ontario

All Ontario rules

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