Rainwater Harvesting Restrictions and Incentives by State

Is it legal to collect rainwater? Yes! Rainwater harvesting is legal throughout the United States, although some states impose rules and restrictions. On the other hand, some states encourage collecting rainwater by offering discounted rain barrels, rebates for homeowners who install rainwater harvesting equipment, and other incentives. 

This state-by-state guide will tell you if you can harvest rainwater where you live and what you can get out of it. 

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^{💡 What is rainwater harvesting and why should you do it?}

*Disclaimer: The rainwater harvesting laws and regulations listed in this article are at the state level and are up-to-date as of April 2022. Laws are subject to change, and even if your state has no restrictions on rainwater harvesting, local authorities such as cities, counties, or homeowners associations might have their own rules. 

Alabama

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Alabama

Alabama state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Alabama

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Alabama, either statewide or local. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Alabama 

See Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities’ detailed Homeowner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting in Alabama. 

Alaska

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Alaska

Alaska state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. Rainwater is actually a common source of water in rural Alaska.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Alaska 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Alaska, either statewide or local. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Alaska

See the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks for information about building rainwater catchment systems.

Arizona

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Arizona 

Arizona state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Arizona 

The state of Arizona offers a tax credit of up to 75% of the cost of installing a rainwater harvesting system (only if the water is used for agricultural purposes). 

The following cities offer additional rainwater harvesting incentives for their residents: 

• Prescott: Offers a rebate of up to 50 cents per gallon of storage for cisterns or $3 per square foot of drainage footprint for passive catchment systems 
• Tucson: Offers a rebate of up to $2,000 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Arizona 

See the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center’s website for more information. 

Arkansas

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Arkansas

Arkansas Code § 17-38-201 states: “The State Board of Health shall allow the use of a harvested rainwater system used for a nonpotable purpose if the harvested rainwater system: (1) Is designed by a professional engineer licensed in Arkansas; (2) Is designed with appropriate cross-connection safeguards; and (3) Complies with the Arkansas Plumbing Code.” 

In layman’s terms, that means you can collect rainwater in Arkansas, but your harvesting system must be designed by a professional (so you can’t do it yourself), and you can’t use the water for consumption (such as drinking or cooking). 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas’s Groundwater Conservation Tax Credit Program offers tax credits of 50% of the project cost for impoundments (aka reservoirs) of 20 acres or larger used for agricultural irrigation. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Arkansas

See the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s publication on Building Rain Barrels to Harvest Rainwater. 

California 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in California 

California’s Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 states: “Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit.”

That means you can use any rainwater you catch from your roof (with a rain barrel, for example) without restriction and without obtaining a permit. But other kinds of rainwater harvesting (such as setting up a reservoir) may require a water rights permit.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in California 

For everyone in California, rainwater harvesting systems are exempt from property tax assessment thanks to Proposition 72.   

The following local municipalities offer additional rainwater harvesting incentives for their residents:

• Monterey: Offers a rebate of $50 per 50 gallons of storage (up to 500 gallons) and then $25 per 100 gallons of storage up to 25,000 gallons for installing a rainwater cistern
• Napa River Watershed: Offers a rebate of 75% of the cost of installing a rain barrel or rainwater cistern, up to $500 
• Palo Alto: Offers a rebate of $1 per gallon of storage for rainwater cisterns 
• Sacramento: Offers a rebate of 75 cents per gallon of storage, up to $150, for installing a rain barrel
• San Diego County: Offers a rebate of $65 per rain barrel for up to two barrels and up to $450 for installing a rainwater cistern
• Santa Monica: Offers a rebate of up to $2,000 depending on the size of your rainwater harvesting system 
• Santa Rosa: Offers a rebate of 25 cents per gallon of storage for systems that hold at least 100 gallons 
• Southern California: Offers a rebate of $35 for installing a rain barrel and up to $350 for installing a rainwater cistern 
• St. Helena: Offers a rebate of up to $100 for rainwater harvesting systems with at least 100 gallons of storage 

Rainwater harvesting resources for California

See the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’ publication on Rain Harvesting. 

Colorado 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Colorado 

Colorado House Bill 16-1005 states: 

“(1) Precipitation from a rooftop may be collected if: 

(a) no more than two rain barrels with a combined storage capacity of one hundred ten gallons or less are utilized; 

(b) precipitation is collected from the rooftop of a building that is used primarily as a single-family residence or a multi-family residence with four or fewer units; 

(c) the collected precipitation is used for outdoor purposes including irrigation of lawns and gardens; and 

(d) the collected precipitation is used on the residential property on which the precipitation is collected 

(2) a person shall not use precipitation collected under this article for drinking water or indoor household purposes. 

(3) the state engineer may curtail rain barrel usage pursuant to section 37-92-502 (2) (a).” 

In layman’s terms, that means you can install no more than two rain barrels, and those two can hold no more than 110 gallons of water between them. You’re only allowed to catch rainwater from the roof of a single-family home or small multi-family home (so no apartment buildings or businesses), and you can only use the water outdoors and on the same property where you collected it.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Colorado 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Colorado, either statewide or local.  

Rainwater harvesting resources for Colorado

See Colorado State University’s page on Rainwater Collection in Colorado. 

Connecticut

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Connecticut

Chapter 13 of the Connecticut State Building Code lists several specific requirements for systems used to collect rainwater. Some of the highlights: 

• Permits are required for building, installing, and repairing rainwater harvesting systems. 
• You must label the water outlets with signage that says “CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK.”
• All materials (piping, plumbing, etc) used in your rainwater harvesting system must be approved for this application. 
• All rainwater storage tanks (barrels, cisterns, etc) must have an overflow pipe, and the overflow pipe cannot have a shutoff valve.
• The system must be protected from insects and other pests. 
• You may need to filter, disinfect, or treat the rainwater for certain uses.

The Building Code includes many other specifications, so check the details before installing your rain collection system to make sure it complies with state law.  

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Connecticut

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Connecticut, either statewide or local. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Connecticut 

See the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s pamphlet “Rainfall as a Resource: A Resident’s Guide to Rain Barrels in Connecticut.” 

Delaware 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Delaware 

Delaware state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Delaware 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Delaware, either statewide or local. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Delaware

Our research found no Delaware-specific resources, but you can see the Environmental Protection Agency’s publication on rainwater harvesting for more information.

Florida

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Florida 

Florida state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Florida

Florida doesn’t offer any statewide rainwater harvesting incentives, but residents of these municipalities have options:

• Manatee County: Offers discounted rain barrel kits 
• Orlando: Offers a rebate of 2 cents per gallon of storage, up to $200, for installing a rain barrel or inground rainwater cistern. 
• St. Petersburg: Offers a $50 rebate for installing a rain barrel 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Florida 

See the University of Florida IFAS Extension’s guide to Saving and Using Rainwater. 

Georgia

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Georgia 

Chapter 15 of Georgia’s Plumbing Code lists several specific requirements for rainwater harvesting systems. Some of the highlights: 

• Local authorities determine whether or not you need a permit for harvesting rainwater. 
• Materials (piping, etc) used in the system must meet the requirements detailed in the code. 
• Local authorities may require regular inspections of rainwater harvesting equipment. 
• You must filter collected rainwater with an approved filtration system. 
• Your rainwater storage tank must have an overflow pipe, and it must flow into the normal stormwater drainage system. 
• You may have to treat or disinfect collected rainwater for certain uses. 

The Plumbing Code includes many other specifications, so make sure your rainwater collection system meets them before you spend time and money installing it. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Georgia

The state of Georgia offers a Rainharvest System Tax Rebate of up to $2,500 for installing rainwater collection equipment. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Georgia 

See the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ publication on Georgia Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines. 

Hawaii 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Hawaii 

Chapter 5F of the Hawai’i County Plumbing Code states: 

“(1) A permit is not required for exterior rainwater catchment systems used for outdoor drip and subsurface irrigation with a maximum storage capacity of 360 gallons (1363 L). 

(2) A plumbing permit is not required for rainwater catchment systems for single family dwellings where outlets, piping, and system components are located on the exterior of the building. This does not exempt the need for permits where required for electrical connections, tank supports, or enclosures.” 

So, you’re not restricted in how much rainwater you’re allowed to collect, but you may need a permit if you plan to catch more than 360 gallons. You may also need a permit if you plan to use the water for anything other than lawn, landscape, or crop irrigation. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Hawaii 

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply offers a $40 rebate for homeowners who install a rain barrel. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Hawaii

See the University of Hawai’i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ Guidelines on Rainwater Catchment Systems for Hawai’i.

Idaho

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Idaho 

Idaho state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Idaho 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Idaho, either statewide or local. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Idaho 

See the University of Idaho’s informational pamphlet on rainwater harvesting. 

Illinois 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Illinois 

Illinois Senate Bill 38 states that rainwater harvesting systems must be: “(A) used only for non-potable uses and (B) constructed in accordance with the Illinois Plumbing Code.”

That means you’re not allowed to use collected rainwater for drinking or cooking, but there are no legal limits on how much rainwater you can harvest for other purposes. Larger systems that include an inground cistern (or more than one) may need to be installed by a professional plumber to make sure they meet the requirements of the state plumbing code. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Illinois

Our research found no statewide rainwater harvesting incentives in Illinois, but homeowners who get their water from the City of Springfield can get a rebate of up to $25 for installing a rain barrel that holds at least 50 gallons of water.

Rainwater harvesting resources for Illinois

Our research found no Illinois-specific resources, but you can find relevant information in the Environmental Protection Agency’s publication on rainwater harvesting. 

Indiana

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Indiana 

Indiana state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Indiana

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Indiana, but residents of Greater Elkhart County can receive reimbursement of $50 per rain barrel for up to two barrels.  

Rainwater harvesting resources for Indiana 

See the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s page on rain barrels. 

Iowa 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Iowa

Iowa state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Iowa 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Iowa. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Iowa 

See Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership’s page on rainwater harvesting. 

Kansas

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Kansas 

According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, you need a water right permit if you plan to use your collected rainwater for anything other than domestic purposes. So, if you’re only using the water around your home, you don’t need a permit. But if you’re using it to water commercial crops or for other business purposes, you may need to acquire a permit first. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Kansas 

Our research found no incentives for harvesting rainwater in Kansas. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Kansas

See JW Rainwater Collection’s website for help installing a rainwater harvesting system in Kansas. 

Kentucky

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Kentucky 

Kentucky state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Kentucky 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Kentucky, but homeowners in Fayette County may be eligible for grants to start a community rainwater harvesting project.

Rainwater harvesting resources for Kentucky 

Find information on local watershed management in the Kentucky Division of Water’s Water Health Guide.

Louisiana 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Louisiana 

Louisiana state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting, but the City of New Orleans’ Code of Ordinances states that all rainwater cisterns must have a cover, and this policy may also be in effect in other parts of Louisiana.  

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Louisiana

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Louisiana, but Green Light New Orleans offers discounted rain barrels for homeowners in the Greater New Orleans area. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Louisiana

KNOE 8 News provides advice on rainwater harvesting in Louisiana from Patrick Moore, an organic farmer in Alexandria who’s been harvesting rainwater for his crops for around 15 years. 

Maine

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Maine 

Maine state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Maine

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Maine. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Maine

See the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s publication on rainwater harvesting. 

Maryland 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Maryland 

Maryland state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Maryland 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Maryland, but the following municipalities offer local incentives:

• Gaithersburg: Offers a rebate of up to $250 to homeowners who harvest rainwater 
• Montgomery County: Offers a rebate of up to $7,500 for residential properties or $20,000 for commercial properties for installing rain barrels and other water-wise landscape features
• Prince George’s County: Offers a rebate of up to $6,000 for residential properties or $20,000 for commercial properties for installing rain barrels and other water-wise landscape features 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Maryland

See the Maryland Department of the Environment’s publication on Stormwater Conservation in Your Backyard. 

Massachusetts 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Massachusetts 

Massachusetts state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Massachusetts 

Our research found no incentives for harvesting rainwater in Massachusetts. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Massachusetts 

See the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s page on Rain Barrels and Other Water Conservation Tools. 

Michigan

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Michigan 

Michigan state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Michigan

Our research found no statewide incentives for harvesting rainwater in Michigan, but Washtenaw County residents can receive a credit for installing a rain barrel or rainwater cistern. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Michigan 

See the City of Grand Rapids Environmental Protection Services Department’s publication on stormwater management for more information on collecting rainwater. 

Minnesota 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Minnesota

Minnesota state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Minnesota 

Our research found no statewide incentives for harvesting rainwater in Minnesota, but these municipalities offer local incentives:

• Northfield: Offers a $20 credit on your utility bill for installing a rain barrel
• Rochester: Offers a $10 rebate for each rain barrel you install 
• South St. Paul: Offers a rebate of up to $50 for installing a rain barrel
• Washington County: Offers discount rain barrels for county residents 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Minnesota 

See the Minnesota Stormwater Manual for information on rainwater harvesting. 

Mississippi

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Mississippi

Mississippi state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Mississippi 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Mississippi. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Mississippi

See the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s page about rain barrels for more information. 

Missouri

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Missouri 

Missouri state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Missouri

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Missouri, but residents of Christian County can get a rebate of up to $300 for installing a rain barrel.

Rainwater harvesting resources for Missouri 

See the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks’ Rainwater Harvesting Manual for Southwest Missouri. 

Montana 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Montana

Montana state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Montana 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Montana. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Montana 

See Montana State University Extension’s publication on Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Montana.

Nebraska 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Nebraska 

Section P2912 of Nebraska’s Residential Code lists several specific requirements for rainwater harvesting systems. Some of the highlights:

• You can only collect water from roofs, and then only roofing surfaces made of approved materials. 
• Rainwater catchment systems must include a debris excluder to keep out leaves, sticks, and other contaminants. 
• At the beginning of each rain event, a certain amount of rainwater must be diverted away from the storage container to minimize contamination. 
• Gutters and downspouts connected to your rainwater harvesting system must be made of approved materials. 
• Water outlets in your rainwater collection tank must be located no less than 4 inches from the bottom of the tank. 
• The storage tank must be a certain distance from the roots of trees, lot lines adjoining private lots, seepage pits, and septic tanks. 

There are many specific regulations in addition to these, so check the full code before installing a rainwater harvesting system in Nebraska. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Nebraska 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Nebraska, but residents of Lincoln have access to DIY rain barrel classes with discounted materials. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Nebraska 

See the City of Lincoln’s rain barrel page for more information on rainwater harvesting in Nebraska. 

Nevada 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Nevada 

Nevada Assembly Bill 138 states that citizens don’t need a permit to collect rainwater as long as the water is collected “from the rooftop of a single-family dwelling for nonpotable domestic use.”

Basically, that means you’re only allowed to harvest rainwater that flows from your home’s roof–not a driveway, sidewalk, apartment building, or business–and you’re only allowed to use that water for things like cleaning or irrigating the lawn and garden (not drinking, cooking, or bathing). 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Nevada 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Nevada. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Nevada 

See the University of Nevada, Reno College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources’ page on rainwater harvesting. 

New Hampshire 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in New Hampshire 

New Hampshire state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in New Hampshire 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in New Hampshire. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for New Hampshire 

See Soak Up the Rain New Hampshire’s website for more information. 

New Jersey 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in New Jersey 

New Jersey state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in New Jersey 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in New Jersey, but residents of Somerville, Bridgewater, Raritan, and Manville Borough can get a rebate of up to $200 for installing a rain barrel. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for New Jersey 

See New Jersey Water Savers’ municipal guide to rainwater harvesting. 

New Mexico

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in New Mexico

New Mexico state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in New Mexico

Our research found no statewide incentives for harvesting rainwater in New Mexico, but the following municipalities offer incentives for local residents:

• Albuquerque: Offers a rebate of up to $150 depending on how much rainwater you harvest 
• Bernalillo County: Subsidizes the cost of installing rain barrels  
• Santa Fe: Offers a rebate of up to $50 per rain barrel or 25 cents per gallon for cisterns

Rainwater harvesting resources for New Mexico 

See New Mexico’s Office of the State Engineer’s rainwater harvesting page for more information. 

New York

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in New York

Section 1303 of the New York State Plumbing Code lists several specific requirements for rainwater harvesting systems. Some of the highlights:

• You may only collect rainwater that falls from your roof, and only if it’s made from approved roofing materials. 
• The system must include a debris excluder to keep leaves, sticks, and other contaminants out of your water supply. 
• Every time it rains, you have to divert a certain amount of rainwater away from the storage tank first to wash away contaminants from the roofing surface without washing them into your water supply. 
• Gutters and downspouts used to collect rainwater must be compatible with your rainwater harvesting system, and all joints connecting them must be watertight. 
• You may have to filter and disinfect the water for certain uses. 
• The water storage tank must be a certain distance from trees’ roots, property lines, seepage pits, and septic tanks. 

See the Plumbing Code for more specific instructions on how to install a legally approved rainwater harvesting system. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in New York 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in New York. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for New York

See Syracuse University’s New York State Rainwater Harvesting Guide. 

North Carolina 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in North Carolina 

North Carolina state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in North Carolina

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in North Carolina, but these local municipalities offer incentives for their residents:

• New Hanover County: Reimburses up to 75% of the cost of installing rainwater cisterns and other water-saving measures 
• Raleigh: Reimburses up to 90% of the cost of installing rainwater cisterns and other water-saving measures 

Rainwater harvesting resources for North Carolina 

See North Carolina State University Extension’s publication Rainwater Harvesting: Guidance for Homeowners. 

North Dakota 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in North Dakota 

According to North Dakota’s state website, “NDCC 61-04-02 requires that all water uses except for domestic, livestock, fish, wildlife, and other recreational uses (unless the aforementioned are greater than 12.5 acre-feet per year) apply for a water permit before putting water to beneficial use.” 

So, you’re allowed to harvest rainwater without a permit as long as you collect less than 12.5 acre-feet (which equates to more than 4 million gallons) of water and plan to use the water around the house or for wildlife. For any other uses, or if you’re harvesting huge amounts of water, you may need to obtain a permit first. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in North Dakota 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in North Dakota. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for North Dakota 

This publication from the North Dakota State Water Commission includes all kinds of information on the water cycle and water conservation in North Dakota.

Ohio

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Ohio 

According to section 3701.344 of Ohio’s Revised Code, there are no restrictions on rainwater harvesting for nonpotable uses, but systems used to collect drinking water may require a permit and need to meet certain regulations.

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Ohio 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Ohio, but these municipalities offer local incentives for their residents:

• Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District: Offers DIY rain barrel workshops that come with discounted materials 
• Franklin County: Reimburses homeowners who install rain barrels with $50 
• Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District: Offers discounted rain barrels and rain barrel workshops 
• Montgomery Soil & Water Conservation District: Offers discounted rain barrels
• Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District: Offers stormwater credits for installing rain barrels and other stormwater management features

Rainwater harvesting resources for Ohio 

Imago Earth Center in Cincinnati has information on how and why to install a rain barrel. 

Oklahoma 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Oklahoma 

Oklahoma state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Oklahoma 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Oklahoma. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Oklahoma 

See Oklahoma State University Extension’s resources on the Design of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Oklahoma.  

Oregon

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Oregon 

According to Oregon’s Building Codes Division, “In Oregon, only roof surfaces may be used for harvesting rainwater.”

Other than that, there are no other restrictions in Oregon state law. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Oregon 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Oregon, but Portland residents can receive up to $120 in savings on stormwater charges when they install rain barrels and other stormwater management features.  

Rainwater harvesting resources for Oregon

See Oregon State University’s publication on Harvesting Rainwater for use in the garden. 

Pennsylvania

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Pennsylvania 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Pennsylvania, but residents of West Chester Borough may be eligible for rebates when they install rain barrels and other stormwater management features. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Pennsylvania 

See the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s guide on How to Be Stormwater Smart.

Rhode Island 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Rhode Island 

Chapter 13 of the Rhode Island Plumbing Code lists specific requirements for rainwater harvesting systems. Some of the highlights: 

• Permits are required for installing and repairing rainwater harvesting systems. 
• Nonpotable water needs to meet minimum water quality requirements. 
• You must label all water outlets with signage that says “CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK.”
• The system must have some form of protection from pests. 
• Tanks, piping, and other components of the system must be constructed from approved materials. 
• The storage tank must have an overflow pipe. 

The Plumbing Code includes many other instructions regarding rainwater harvesting systems, so make sure your system meets all requirements before installing it. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Rhode Island 

Rhode Island House Bill 7070 created a state income tax credit of 10% of the cost of installing a rainwater cistern, up to $1,000. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Rhode Island 

See the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s information page on rain barrels. 

South Carolina 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in South Carolina 

Section 1303 of the South Carolina Plumbing Code lists specific requirements for harvesting rainwater. Some of the highlights:

• You may only collect rainwater from roofing surfaces made of approved materials. 
• Rainwater harvesting systems must include a debris excluder to keep leaves, sticks, and other contaminants out of the water supply. 
• At the beginning of each rain event, you have to divert a certain amount of water away from the storage tank to wash away contaminants on the roof. 
• Gutters and downspouts need to be compatible with your rainwater harvesting system, and the joints connecting them have to be watertight. 
• Rainwater may need to be filtered or disinfected for some uses. 

Read the Plumbing Code for a full list of specifications regarding your rainwater harvesting system. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in South Carolina

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in South Carolina. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for South Carolina 

See Clemson University Public Service’s publication on Rainwater Harvesting for Homeowners. 

South Dakota 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in South Dakota 

According to water rights laws in South Dakota, you can harvest rainwater without a permit as long as you collect less than 25,920 gallons per day or a pump rate of 25 gallons per minute. If you exceed either of these limits (which is extremely unlikely for a homeowner), you’ll need to acquire a permit. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in South Dakota 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in South Dakota. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for South Dakota 

See the City of Sioux Falls’ website for water conservation tips, including how to harvest rainwater with a trash can. 

Tennessee 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Tennessee 

Tennessee state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Tennessee 

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Tennessee, but the City of Chattanooga reimburses its residents for the cost of installing rain barrels and other stormwater management features. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Tennessee 

See the Rainwater Harvesting section of the Tennessee Permanent Stormwater Management and Design Guidance Manual for more information. 

Texas

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Texas 

Texas House Bill 3391 lists specific requirements that apply to any rainwater harvesting system that will be used for potable water (drinking, cooking, bathing, etc) and/or that is connected to the public water supply system. 

But when it comes to simple, self-contained rainwater harvesting systems (such as rain barrels or rainwater cisterns), Texas state law includes no restrictions. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Texas

Throughout the state of Texas, rainwater harvesting equipment is exempt from sales and property taxes. 

These local municipalities offer additional incentives for their residents:

• Allen: Offers a rebate of $25 each for up to two rain barrels
• Austin: Offers a rebate up to $5,000 for rainwater harvesting equipment 
• Brazos Valley: Offers a rebate of $25 each for up to two rain barrels 
• Buda: Offers a rebate of 50 cents per gallon of storage on up to two rain barrels or one 100-gallon rain harvesting tank 
• College Station: Offers a rebate of $25 each for up to two rain barrels 
• Fairview: Offers a rebate of up to $50 each for up to two rain barrels  
• Frisco: Has an annual sale of discounted rain barrels 
• Georgetown: Offers a rebate of $25 for one rain barrel once per year
• Hays County: Offers a property tax reduction and $100 fee reimbursement for installing rainwater harvesting equipment 
• League City: Offers a rebate of $25 each for up to two rain barrels 
• New Braunfels: Offers a rebate of 50 cents per gallon, up to $250, for installing rain barrels and cisterns 
• Pflugerville: Offers a rebate of 50 cents per gallon of storage and 50% of the purchase price of pad material, overflow, flush first, and pump, up to $600 total
• San Antonio: Offers a rebate of $1 per gallon of storage, up to $2,000, for a rainwater harvesting system that holds at least 500 gallons 
• San Marcos: Offers a rebate of up to 50% of the purchase price of rainwater harvesting equipment 
• Woodlands Water: Offers a rebate of 50% of the price of a rain barrel, up to $150

Rainwater harvesting resources for Texas 

See Texas Water Development Board’s Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting for more information.  

Utah

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Utah 

Utah Senate Bill 32 states that rainwater harvesting is allowed under these conditions: 

• “If a person collects or stores precipitation in an underground storage container, the person may collect and store precipitation in only one underground storage container for a parcel if the underground storage container has a maximum capacity of no more than 2,500 gallons; and is installed in accordance with relevant building codes adopted under Title 58, Chapter 56, Utah Uniform Building Standards Act; and after registering for the capture and storage of precipitation” 
• “If a person collects or stores precipitation in a covered storage container, the person may collect and store precipitation in no more than two covered storage containers, if the maximum storage capacity of any one covered storage container is not greater than 100 gallons.” 

What does that mean for you? It means you can collect rainwater in an aboveground, covered storage container without a permit, as long as the container doesn’t hold more than 100 gallons. You can even have two under-100-gallon storage tanks, but no more than that. 

If you want to store rainwater in an underground cistern, though, you have to register with the government first, and your system must meet Utah building code requirements. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Utah

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Utah, but residents of Millcreek, Murray, Cottonwood Heights, Taylorsville, Herriman, Lehi, Orem, Park City, Summit County, and Salt Lake County have access to discounted rain barrels. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Utah

See Utah State University Extension’s publication on Rain Barrels in Utah for guidance. 

Vermont 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Vermont 

Vermont state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Vermont 

Our research found no incentives for rainwater harvesting in Vermont. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Vermont 

See the Vermont Guide to Stormwater Management for Homeowners and Small Businesses for information about stormwater management solutions, including rainwater harvesting. 

Virginia

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Virginia 

Virginia state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Virginia 

Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts reimburses homeowners statewide with $2 per gallon of storage for rainwater harvesting systems, up to $10,000.

Rainwater harvesting resources for Virginia 

See the Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Manual for guidance. 

Washington 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Washington

According to the Washington Department of Ecology: 

“You don’t need a water right permit to collect rainwater, with a few conditions:

• Rainwater must be used on the property where it is collected. 
• Rainwater can only be collected from existing structures that have another purpose other than collecting rainwater. 
• If we find that rainwater collection is negatively affecting existing water rights in an area, local restrictions may be developed to govern new systems. However, we do not expect the collection of harvested rainwater to cause problems. 
• If you are planning to use rainwater as your primary drinking water source for new building construction, you’ll need to check with your county to see if it is allowed.” 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Washington

Our research found no statewide incentives for rainwater harvesting in Washington, but the following municipalities offer localized incentives for their residents:

• Everett: Has an annual sale of discounted rain barrels 
• Kirkland: Covers up to $3,000 of project costs for rainwater collection cisterns and other stormwater management features 
• Olympia: Offers a rebate of $20 each for up to four rain barrels 
• Pierce Conservation District: Offers mini-grants of up to $4,000 for installing rainwater collection systems and other stormwater management features 
• Puyallup: Has a cost-share program for rain barrels and other stormwater management features 
• Seattle and King County: Offers RainWise rebates for installing rainwater collection cisterns
• Tacoma: Offers a surface water rate reduction for property owners who harvest rainwater and implement other stormwater management practices 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Washington

See the City of Bellingham’s Rainwater Harvesting guide for Washington-specific advice.

West Virginia

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in West Virginia 

West Virginia state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in West Virginia 

Our research found no incentives for harvesting rainwater in West Virginia. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for West Virginia 

See the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s publication on Rainwater Harvesting. 

Wisconsin 

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Wisconsin 

According to the City of Milwaukee, rainwater harvesting in Wisconsin doesn’t require a permit as long as it meets the following requirements. 

“Your system: 

a) does not have an underground collection tank, 

b) is not directly connected to the public water supply, 

c) does not supply water inside your building, and 

d) is not used for potable applications.”

A rainwater harvesting system may require a permit or may not be allowed at all if it uses an underground storage tank, is connected to a public water supply system, is connected to the inside of your home or another building, or is used for drinking, cooking, and/or bathing. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Wisconsin 

Our research found no statewide incentives for harvesting rainwater in Wisconsin, but the following municipalities offer incentives for their residents:

• River Falls: Offers a rebate of up to $30 for installing a rain barrel 
• Verona: Offers a rebate of $10 each for up to four rain barrels 
• Waukesha: Offers a rebate of $20 each for up to two rain barrels

Rainwater harvesting resources for Wisconsin

See the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s page on rain barrels for more information and instructional videos.  

Wyoming

Rainwater harvesting restrictions in Wyoming 

Wyoming state law doesn’t impose any restrictions on rainwater harvesting. 

Rainwater harvesting incentives in Wyoming 

Our research found no incentives for harvesting rainwater in Wyoming. 

Rainwater harvesting resources for Wyoming 

See the University of Wyoming’s publication on Rainwater Harvesting for more information. 

What is rainwater harvesting and why should you do it?

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting rainwater from your roof in a rain barrel, cistern, or another storage container. You can then use the water for irrigating your lawn and garden or cleaning–but what’s the point?

Harvesting rainwater has benefits for you and the environment. It…

• Saves money on your water bills: The more rainwater you’re able to use around the house, the less water you have to run (and pay for) from the tap.
• Conserves limited water resources: Using rainwater means putting less stress on the municipal water supply, which is great for communities suffering from drought. 
• Prevents stormwater runoff pollution: As stormwater travels across roofs, lawns, driveways, and roads, it picks up chemicals and other pollutants that can harm ecosystems in natural bodies of water. When you catch rainwater, you prevent some of that pollution from reaching streams, lakes, and rivers. 
• Healthier for plants: Rainwater is all-natural and healthier for grass, gardens, and houseplants than tap water. 

If you think rainwater harvesting sounds worth a try, learn how to use a rain barrel to get started. Planting a rain garden–a garden planted in a low point in the lawn, designed to catch and filter rainwater–is another eco-friendly option for managing stormwater runoff and preventing water pollution. 

Rainwater harvesting can give you what you need to water your lawn, but what about mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and other yard chores? LawnStarter’s local lawn care pros can take care of all of it. 

Main Photo Credit: Roger Mommaerts / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0