Orange, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Under California Water Code Section 10574 (the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012), Orange residents may collect and use rainwater from rooftop catchment systems for landscape irrigation and other non-potable uses without a permit. Rain barrels and cisterns are permitted on residential property. The city's stormwater management program encourages Low Impact Development techniques including rainwater capture to reduce stormwater runoff. Large cisterns or tanks exceeding certain size thresholds may require a building permit for structural reasons. Rainwater may not be connected to the potable water system. The city encourages residents to use captured rainwater for drought-tolerant landscaping irrigation as part of its water conservation strategy.