Rainwater Harvesting: Cedar Park vs Round Rock
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Cedar Park, TX and Round Rock, TX?
Cedar Park and Round Rock have similar restriction levels.
Cedar Park, TX
Williamson County
Cedar Park encourages rainwater harvesting. The City offers a rain barrel credit of $0.50 per gallon of storage (up to $100) for residential water customers, and HOAs may not prohibit rain barrels under Tex. Property Code §202.007.
View full Cedar Park rules →Round Rock, TX
Williamson County
Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems, and Health & Safety Code 341.042 sets statewide standards for harvested rainwater used as a potable supply. Rainwater harvesting is broadly protected and encouraged in every Texas city and county.
View full Round Rock rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cedar Park | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| City rebate | $0.50/gallon, up to $100 | - |
| Permit required | No (residential non-potable) | - |
| HOA preemption | Tex. Property Code §202.007 | - |
| Barrel must be | New, dark/lined, screened | - |
| HOA protection | - | Property Code 202.007 |
| Health standards | - | HSC 341.042 |
| Sales tax | - | Exempt under Tax Code 151.355 |
| Potable use | - | TCEQ rules apply |
| Local prohibition | - | Not allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cedar Park FAQ
Can my HOA ban my rain barrel?
No. Tex. Property Code §202.007 voids any deed restriction prohibiting rain barrels or rainwater harvesting systems. The HOA may regulate size, color, and location if visible from the street, but cannot ban them.
Can I drink the harvested water?
Cedar Park's rebate is only for non-potable use (irrigation, etc.). Potable rainwater systems must be designed and installed under Texas TCEQ and plumbing code rules and cannot be connected to the City supply.
Round Rock FAQ
Can my Texas HOA stop me from installing a rain barrel?
No. Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rain barrels or rainwater harvesting systems. The HOA may set reasonable rules on location, color, screening, and capacity but cannot enforce an outright ban.
Do I need a permit to harvest rainwater in Texas?
Outdoor-use systems generally do not require a state permit. Indoor potable systems must meet TCEQ standards under HSC 341.042 and require notice to your public water supplier and certified backflow prevention.
Is rainwater harvesting equipment taxed in Texas?
No. Tax Code 151.355 exempts qualifying rainwater harvesting equipment and supplies from Texas state and local sales and use tax when purchased for that purpose.
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