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Scarlett’s Landscape can legally design and build a ‘Rainwater Capture System’. On September 25, 2012, California Governor Brown reinforced this by signing into lawn AB 1750, the Rainwater Capture Act. This new act is important in Calfornia’s efforts to be on the forefront of water conservation and advanced water use laws that will mean a more prosperous and brighter the future for us and future generations. These little steps add up, and this was another small step in the right direction.

So what exactly is this new law all about? Basically, it allows Licensed Landscape Contractors (CA License C-27) to design and build a ‘Rainwater Capture System’. ‘Rainwater’ is defined as water that has fallen on a property, has not left the property, and has not previously been put to any beneficial use. Once the water has left the property and entered a storm drain, flood control channel, or any other stream channel, it is no longer considered ‘rainwater’. A ‘Rainwater Capture System’ is a facility designed to capture, retain, and store ‘rainwater’, such as rainwater flowing off a building rooftop, for subsequent onsite use. This water can be used for landscape irrigation, water supply for a fountain, pond, or similar decorative water feature, or just allowed to sit onsite and infiltrate back into the aquafer.

Scarlett’s Landscape has experience in designing and building ‘Rainwater Catchment Systems’ in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, and surrounding communities. We have worked with progressive design standards, such as Ocean Friendly Gardens, to design and build landscapes that are beautiful and efficient.

To learn more about “Why California Water Laws Matter”, click here.

In the image above, the crushed rock dry creek bed hides a french drain and underground water storage tank. All the water that falls from the roof falls into this rainwater catchment area.