Ontario, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (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.
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?
Can I plumb rainwater to flush my toilets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle rainwater harvesting.