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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 16 — NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS

1601.5 Maintenance and Inspection.

California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Rainwater catchment systems and components shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with with the manufacturer’s recommendations and/or as required by the enforcing agency .

TABLE 1601.5 MINIMUM ALTERNATE WATER SOURCE TESTING, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY

DESCRIPTION MINIMUM FREQUENCY



Inspect and clean filters and
screens, and replace (where
necessary).
Every 3 months






Inspect and verify that
disinfection, filters, and water
quality treatment devices and
systems are operational and
maintaining minimum water
quality requirements as
determined by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction.
In accordance with manufac-
turer’s instructions and the
Authority Having Jurisdiction.



Inspect and clear debris from
rainwater gutters, downspouts,
and roof washers.
Every 6 months




Inspect and clear debris from
the roof or another above-
ground rainwater collection
surfaces.
Every 6 months




Remove tree branches and
vegetation overhanging a roof
or other aboveground rainwater
collection surfaces.
As needed


Inspect pumps and verify
operation.
After initial installation and
every 12 months thereafter


Inspect valves and verify
operation.
After initial installation and
every 12 months thereafter


Inspect pressure tanks and
verify operation.
After initial installation and
every 12 months thereafter


Clear debris from and inspect
storage tanks, locking devices,
and verify operation.
After initial installation and
every 12 months thereafter


Inspect caution labels and
marking.
After initial installation and
every 12 months thereafter


Cross-connection inspection
and test.*
After initial installation and
every 12 months thereafter




Test water quality of rainwater
catchment systems required by
Section 1603.4 to maintain a
minimum water quality.
Every 12 months. After system
renovation or repair.
  • The cross-connection test shall be performed in the presence of the Authority Having Jurisdiction in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

1601.5.1 Maintenance Responsibility. The required maintenance and inspection of rainwater catchment systems shall be the responsibility of the property owner unless otherwise required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS

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Contents — California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5)
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
  4. Chapter 4 — PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGS
  5. Chapter 5 — WATER HEATERS
  6. Chapter 6 — WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
  7. Chapter 7 — SANITARY DRAINAGE
  8. Chapter 8 — INDIRECT WASTES
  9. Chapter 9 — VENTS
  10. Chapter 10 — TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS
  11. Chapter 11 — STORM DRAINAGE
  12. Chapter 12 — FUEL GAS PIPING
  13. Chapter 13 — HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL GAS AND MEDICA…
  14. Chapter 14 — FIRESTOP PROTECTION
  15. Chapter 15 — ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES FOR NONPOTABLE APPLICATIONS
  16. Chapter 16 — NONPOTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
    Overview
    1. 1601.1 Applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall
    2. 1601.2 System Design. Rainwater catchment systems shall
    3. 1601.3 Permit. It shall be unlawful for a person to construct,
    4. 1601.4 Component Identification. System components
    5. 1601.5 Maintenance and Inspection. Rainwater catchment systems…
    6. 1601.6 Operation and Maintenance Manual. An operation and main…
    7. 1601.7 Minimum Water Quality Requirements. The
    8. 1601.8 Material Compatibility. Rainwater catchment systems sha…
    9. 1601.9 System Controls. Controls for pumps, valves, and
    10. 1601.10 Separation Requirements. Underground rainwater catchme…
    11. 1601.11 Abandonment. Rainwater catchment systems that
    12. 1601.12 Sizing. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter,…
    13. 1602.1 General. The installation, construction, alteration,
    14. 1602.2 Plumbing Plan Submission. No permit for a
    15. 1602.3 System Changes. No changes or connections shall
    16. 1602.4 Connections to Potable or Reclaimed (Recy-
    17. 1602.5 Initial Cross-Connection Test. Where a portion
    18. 1602.6 Sizing. The design and size of rainwater drains, gutter…
    19. 1602.7 Rainwater Catchment System Materials. Rain- 1603.3 Rain…
    20. 1602.8 Rainwater Catchment System Color and
    21. 1603.4 Minimum Water Quality. The minimum water
    22. 1602.9 Deactivation and Drainage for Cross-Connec- shall be in…
    23. 1603.1 Rainwater Catchment Systems. The design and
    24. 1603.2 Outside Hose Bibbs. Outside hose bibbs shall be infecti…
    25. 1603.5 Rainwater Storage Tanks. Rainwater storage tanks
    26. 1603.6 Location. Rainwater storage tanks shall be permitted to…
    27. 1603.7 Above Grade. Above grade, storage tanks shall be
    28. 1603.9 Drainage and Overflow. Rainwater storage tanks
    29. 1603.10 Opening and Access Protection. Rainwater
    30. 1603.11 Marking. Rainwater tanks shall be permanently
    31. 1603.12 Storage Tank Venting. Where venting using
    32. 1603.13 Pumps. Pumps serving rainwater catchment systems shall…
    33. 1605.1 General. Rainwater catchment systems shall be
    34. 1605.2 Supply System Inspection and Test. Rainwater
    35. 1605.3 Cross-Connection Inspection and Testing. An
    36. 1603.14 Roof Drains. Primary and secondary roof drains,
    37. 1603.15 Water Quality Devices and Equipment.
    38. 1603.16 Freeze Protection. Tanks and piping installed in
    39. 1603.17 Debris Removal. The rainwater catchment conveyance sys…
    40. 1603.18 Required Filters. A filter permitting the passage
    41. 1603.19 Roof Gutters. Gutters shall maintain a minimum
    42. 1603.20 Rainwater Diversion Valves. Rainwater diversion valves…
    43. 1604.1 General. Signs in buildings using rainwater shall be
    44. 1604.2 Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Res-
    45. 1604.3 Equipment Room Signs. Each equipment room
  17. Chapter 17 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  18. Appendix A — RECOMMENDED RULES FOR SIZING THE WATER SUPPLY SYS…
  19. Appendix B — EXPLANATORY NOTES ON COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT S…
  20. Appendix C — ALTERNATE PLUMBING SYSTEMS
  21. Appendix D — SIZING STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
  22. Appendix E — MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND RECREATIONAL V…
  23. Appendix F — FIREFIGHTER BREATHING AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS
  24. Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS
  25. Appendix H — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
  26. Appendix I — INSTALLATION STANDARDS
  27. Appendix J — COMBINATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION AND …
  28. Appendix K — POTABLE RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
  29. Appendix L — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  30. Appendix M — PEAK WATER DEMAND CALCULATOR
  31. Appendix N — IMPACT OF WATER TEMPERATURE ON THE POTENTIAL FOR …
  32. Appendix O — NON-SEWERED SANITATION SYSTEMS
  33. Appendix P — PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  34. Appendix Q — INDOOR HORTICULTURAL FACILITIES
  35. Appendix R — TINY HOUSES
  36. Appendix S — ONSITE STORMWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

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