Turlock, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

The City of Turlock does not publish a local ordinance prohibiting or specially permitting residential rainwater harvesting, so the controlling rules are California state law. Under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750, codified in the California Water Code), rainwater collected from rooftops may be used without obtaining a water-right permit from the State Water Resources Control Board. The Act also provides that a landowner shall not be required to obtain a permit or other authorization from a local public agency as a condition of installing, maintaining, or operating a rain barrel system. One exception: if installing a rain barrel requires disconnecting a downspout from the sewer system, the local agency may require a permit for proper disconnection and capping. A 'rain barrel system' is defined as a rainwater capture system that does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to a potable water system; notice to the public water system operator is not required for a cistern of less than 360 gallons. For Turlock residents, this means rain barrels are generally allowed by-right; larger cisterns, plumbed systems, or backflow connections to the City's potable supply could trigger plumbing-code review or backflow-prevention requirements through the City's water utility. Because Turlock's supply is 100% groundwater, the City encourages conservation broadly. Confirm any plumbing tie-in with Municipal Services (209-668-5590) or the Building Division.