Rainwater Harvesting: Edmonds vs Everett
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Edmonds, WA and Everett, WA?
Edmonds and Everett have similar restriction levels.
Edmonds, WA
Snohomish County
Washington law expressly permits rooftop rainwater collection for onsite use without a water right permit, preempting any municipal prohibition on basic harvesting.
View full Edmonds rules →Everett, WA
Snohomish County
Everett allows residential rainwater harvesting. Washington has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.
View full Everett rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edmonds | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Permit needed | No for rooftop | - |
| Authority | Ecology Policy 1017 | - |
| Plumbing code | RCW 19.27.031 | - |
| Allowed use | Onsite beneficial use | - |
| Restrictions | - | None for residential use |
| Permits | - | Large systems may need one |
| Potable Use | - | Treatment system required |
| Topic | - | Rainwater Harvesting |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edmonds FAQ
Do I need a water right to harvest rainwater in Washington?
No. Rooftop rainwater harvesting for onsite use does not require a water right under Department of Ecology Policy 1017 issued under RCW 90.03.260 authority.
Can a city prohibit my rain barrel?
Cities cannot ban rooftop rainwater harvesting but may enforce plumbing and cross-connection rules under the state-adopted Uniform Plumbing Code.
Everett FAQ
Can I collect rainwater legally?
Yes. Washington allows residential rainwater harvesting without significant restrictions.
Do I need a permit for rain barrels?
Standard rain barrels typically do not need permits. Large cistern systems may require building permits.
Compare other topics
See how Edmonds and Everett compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool