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Know Before You Collect

Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?

Short answer: yes, in all 50 states. Most place zero restrictions on a standard rain barrel. Here is every state, sourced to the statute or agency the rule comes from. Updated July 2026.

0 states

No restrictions at all on residential collection. Several actively encourage it with credits and rebates.

3 states with caps

Colorado (110 gal), Utah (2,500 gal with registration), and Nevada (rooftop, on-property use only).

2 states with permits

Oregon and Washington require a permit only for large cistern systems, never for a rain barrel.

Educational, not legal advice

Laws change and local ordinances or HOA covenants can add rules on top of state law. Confirm current requirements with your state water agency before installing a large system.

Full Detail

State-by-state breakdown

Type your state to jump to its rules. Click any state name for its full guide.

StateStatusLimitNotes & Statutes
AlabamaLegalNoneNo state restrictions on collection volume or method.
AlaskaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
ArizonaLegalNoneActively encouraged. State income tax credit available for systems.
ArkansasLegalNoneResidential collection unrestricted. Large commercial systems may require a permit.
CaliforniaLegalNoneEncouraged. SB-558 (2018) provides a tax exemption for new residential systems.
ColoradoRestricted110 gallonsMax two rain barrels (55 gal each). Rooftop only, outdoor non-potable use, on-property only. HB 16-1005.
ConnecticutLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
DelawareLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
FloridaLegalNoneNo state restrictions. County rebates available in some areas, including Tampa Bay.
GeorgiaLegalNoneEncouraged. No state restrictions.
HawaiiLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
IdahoLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
IllinoisLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
IndianaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
IowaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
KansasLegalNoneResidential collection unrestricted.
KentuckyLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
LouisianaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
MaineLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
MarylandLegalNoneEncouraged. Some counties, including Howard and Montgomery, offer rebates.
MassachusettsLegalNoneNo state restrictions. Some municipalities offer rebates.
MichiganLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
MinnesotaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
MississippiLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
MissouriLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
MontanaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
NebraskaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
NevadaRestrictedNo set limitRooftop collection only. Single-family residential, non-potable use. Must stay on the property.
New HampshireLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
New JerseyLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
New MexicoLegalNoneEncouraged. Some municipalities offer rebates. No volume limits.
New YorkLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
North CarolinaLegalNoneEncouraged. No state restrictions.
North DakotaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
OhioLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
OklahomaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
OregonPermit for large systemsNone (barrels)Standard rain barrels unrestricted. Large cisterns require a water right permit.
PennsylvaniaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
Rhode IslandLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
South CarolinaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
South DakotaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
TennesseeLegalNoneLegal for non-potable domestic use. SB 2417/HB 1850 supports rainwater harvesting as green infrastructure.
TexasLegalNoneEncouraged. SB 769 (2011) prevents HOAs from prohibiting collection systems.
UtahRestricted2,500 gallonsRegistration required for systems storing over 100 gallons. Non-potable use only.
VermontLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
VirginiaLegalNoneEncouraged. Some localities offer incentive programs.
WashingtonPermit for large systemsNone (barrels)Standard rain barrels unrestricted. Large cisterns require a water right permit.
West VirginiaLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
WisconsinLegalNoneNo state restrictions.
WyomingLegalNoneNo state restrictions.

The Five Exceptions

If you live here, read this first.

Colorado allows exactly two barrels totaling 110 gallons, rooftop-collected, used outdoors on your own property (HB 16-1005).

Utah caps total storage at 2,500 gallons and requires free online registration for anything over 100 gallons.

Nevada limits collection to single-family rooftops for non-potable use that stays on the property.

Oregon and Washington leave rain barrels completely unrestricted, permits apply only to large cistern systems.

RAIN BARREL 50 to 65 gallons No permit, anywhere LARGE CISTERN 1,000+ gallons Permit in OR & WA

Frequently Asked

Common questions

Is it illegal to collect rainwater?
No. It’s legal in all 50 states, and most states have no restrictions at all. The few exceptions cap volume or require a permit for large systems, never for a standard rain barrel.
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel?
No state requires a permit for a standard residential rain barrel. Oregon and Washington require permits only for large cistern systems, typically 1,000 gallons or more.
Can my HOA stop me from having a rain barrel?
It depends on your state and covenant. Texas specifically bars HOAs from prohibiting rainwater collection systems (SB 769). Check your state entry above, then your HOA’s rules.
Why do a few states restrict collection at all?
Western water law allocates streamflow to downstream rights holders under “prior appropriation.” Historically, captured rain was seen as diverted streamflow. Modern studies showed home barrels have negligible impact, which is why even Colorado legalized them in 2016.

Sources

  1. Rainplan, 50-State Rainwater Collection Guide (2026), myrainplan.com
  2. Colorado HB 16-1005 and the Colorado Division of Water Resources
  3. US EPA WaterSense, Outdoor Water Use fact sheet
  4. US Drought Monitor / Drought.gov, national conditions, June 2026

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