Riverside, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- State authority
- Cal. Water Code §10573 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, AB 1750)
- City restrictions
- None: no City ordinance restricts residential rooftop capture
- Permit threshold
- Tanks >100 gal or plumbed-in: building permit required (CPC Ch. 17)
- RPU rebate (rain barrel)
- $35/barrel, up to 2 barrels (via SoCal Water$mart)
- Regional rebate
- Up to $75/barrel through SoCal WaterSmart; $250-$350 for cisterns
- Use limitation
- Non-potable only (irrigation, ornamental, toilet flush w/ permit)
Summary
Rainwater harvesting from rooftop runoff is fully legal in California under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code §10573) and is actively encouraged by Riverside Public Utilities (RPU). RPU partners with Metropolitan Water District's SoCal Water$mart program to offer rebates for rain barrels and cisterns.
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. (e) "Stormwater" means temporary surface water runoff and drainage generated by immediately preceding storms. [...] 10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Full Breakdown
) authorizes residential, commercial, and governmental landowners to install, maintain, and operate rainwater capture systems for non-potable uses without a water-right permit, so long as the water is collected from rooftops. The City of Riverside has no separate restrictive rainwater-harvesting ordinance; RPU actively promotes capture as a conservation measure on its Water Efficiency page ('Collecting and reusing rainwater for lawns and gardens reduces runoff into storm drains and local waterways'). com). Published residential rebate amounts: rain barrels at $35 per barrel (up to 2 barrels) per RPU's portal, with the broader regional SoCal WaterSmart program offering up to $75 per rain barrel and $250-$350 for cisterns depending on capacity.
Building-code thresholds: rain barrels under 100 gallons typically do not require a plumbing permit, but tanks over 100 gal or any system connected to indoor plumbing must comply with CPC Chapter 17 (non-potable rainwater catchment) and require a permit from the City Building Division. Stormwater connection / discharge to public storm drains is permitted because collected rainwater reduces total stormwater volume, supporting Riverside County's MS4 NPDES permit goals.
Violations & Fines
No violations applicable to residential rooftop rain barrels under 100 gallons. Larger tanks installed without a building permit are subject to a stop-work order and double-fee permit recovery under California Building Code §109. Connecting captured rainwater to indoor potable plumbing without backflow prevention violates CPC Ch. 17 and is enforceable by the City Building Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Riverside?
Can I get a rebate?
Can I drink rainwater I collect?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle rainwater harvesting.