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.
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).
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.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Ontario's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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