Westminster, CA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

The City of Westminster encourages capturing and conserving water rather than restricting it. Residential rainwater harvesting (for example, rooftop rain barrels) is generally allowed in California under the statewide Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750), which lets residents and businesses install rain-capture systems, and Westminster's published pages impose no contrary city prohibition. Instead, the City focuses on conservation incentives: it partners with the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) to offer residential and commercial rebates for water-conserving appliances and irrigation devices, with current offerings posted through the OCWaterShed program (rebates change with funding availability). The City maintains three Water Conservation Gardens showcasing nearly twenty species of drought-tolerant California-friendly and native plants as inspiration for replacing thirsty lawns, and offers a complimentary Water Use Audit in which Water Division staff help residents find ways to cut indoor and outdoor water use. On the regulatory side, larger projects must follow stormwater rules: a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) is required for many construction and significant-redevelopment projects, describing post-construction Best Management Practices to minimize stormwater pollution, which can include on-site capture and infiltration features. For specific rain-barrel or graywater rebate availability, the City directs residents to the Water Division and the OCWaterShed website rather than to a fixed city rebate amount. Contact the Water Division at (714) 548-3699.