Yes. Rain barrels are completely unrestricted in Oregon; permits apply only to large cistern systems.
What Oregon law says
Oregon draws a line by system size. Standard rain barrels unrestricted. Large cisterns require a water right permit. If you are putting one or two barrels under a downspout, nothing about Oregon law affects you.
How much water a Oregon roof can collect
Oregon averages about 43 inches of rain per year. On a typical 1,200 square foot roof at 85% collection efficiency, that works out to roughly 27,300 gallons a year currently running into your storm drain. A single one-inch storm delivers about 635 gallons, enough to fill 13 standard 50-gallon barrels.
Average annual rainfall in Oregon.
Gallons per year from a typical 1,200 sq ft roof.
Approximate annual value at municipal water rates.
Your roof and rainfall will differ; run your exact numbers in the rainwater calculator.
The right setup for Oregon’s climate
At roughly 43 inches of rain a year, Oregon is a wet-climate state; your barrel will refill constantly. Prioritize a sealed, mosquito-proof design and plan the overflow path. A 50-gallon barrel with a diverter that returns excess water to the downspout is the right call.
Rain Wizard 50 + Diverter Kit, reviewed against our independent testing criteria. See all six models side by side.
Common questions
Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Oregon?
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Oregon?
Does Oregon offer incentives for rainwater harvesting?
Sources
- Rainplan, 50-State Rainwater Collection Guide (2026)
- State statutes and water agency guidance for Oregon
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, annual precipitation normals
- US EPA WaterSense, Outdoor Water Use fact sheet
Educational content, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm current rules with your state water agency.