Proposition 72 was passed in June of 2018 to exclude rainwater harvesting systems from property tax reassessment in California.

The California Proposition 72, Rainwater Capture Systems Excluded from Property Tax Assessments Amendment, passed this June 2018 with 83.28% of the vote. (Link to Prop 72)

Previously, the California AB-1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 put the ability the collect and store rainwater for domestic and potable use into law. AB-1750 also provides that rainwater captured off of building rooftops doesn’t require filing for a water rights permit.

“California AB-1750 (c) Rainwater and stormwater, captured and properly managed, can contribute significantly to local water supplies by infiltrating and recharging groundwater aquifers, thereby increasing available supplies of drinking water. In addition, the onsite capture, storage, and use of rainwater for non-potable use significantly reduce demand for potable water, contributing to the statutory objective of a 20-percent reduction in urban per capita water use in California by December 31, 2020.” (Link to AB-1750)

Prop 72 expands State support for rainwater harvesting by excluding installing a system from property tax reassessment starting January 1, 2019. This isn’t a direct financial incentive but it does prevent any property taxes from increasing from a rainwater system. State Senator Steve Glazer backed the proposition after being inspired by seeing a resident use a rainwater system to supply for their domestic water usage.

Rainwater systems are extremely successful in other areas in saving utility water, reducing water waste and decentralizing water distribution. In Tucson, Arizona the Tucson Water Utilities’ research found that 720 homeowners in their rebate program saved an average of 748 gallons each, per month with rainwater harvesting. (Link to article)

Encouraging California residents and businesses to change or alleviate their water source with rainwater collection could help the ongoing water crisis as it has in Texas. Rainwater is soft water with a neutral pH, which is great for growing plants and drinking. It’s easier to filter than groundwater and doesn’t require a permit like water diversion does. Once a system is set up with low maintenance, your rooftop becomes a virtually clean, drinkable free water source.

We offer BPA free water storage for rainwater systems, and beyond. Our tank liner is NSF 61 certified for drinking water and has a 65-year lifespan.

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