Rainwater Harvesting Rules by State

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026

Whether rainwater collection is allowed for residential use, any restrictions on volume or use (potable versus non-potable), and whether a permit is required.

50 States2 data columnsLast updated: May 2026

Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.

Allowed	Restrictions	Permit Required
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	Non-potable	No
Yes	Permit if potable	Yes (potable)
Limited (110 gal)	2 barrels max	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	Outdoor only	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Code reqs.	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	Code reqs.	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Sennett Bill	No
Yes	None	No
Yes (2017)	Domestic only	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	Code reqs.	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Potable rules	Yes (potable)
Yes	None	No
Yes	Roof catchment	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Limited (2,500 gal)	Registration	Yes (>200 gal)
Yes	None	No
Yes	Incentives	No
Yes (2009)	DOE rules	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	None	No
Yes	Stormwater credit	No

Western prior-appropriation states historically restricted rainwater harvesting as an unauthorized diversion. Colorado (HB 16-1005) and Utah have relaxed restrictions in the past decade. The EPA encourages rainwater harvesting as a low-impact development (LID) stormwater management technique. Potable use of harvested rainwater typically triggers additional plumbing code, filtration, and disinfection requirements under state-adopted versions of the International Plumbing Code.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.