Rainwater Harvesting: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce 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 Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce 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 Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Permit needed | No for rooftop | No for rooftop |
| Authority | Ecology Policy 1017 | Ecology Policy 1017 |
| Plumbing code | RCW 19.27.031 | RCW 19.27.031 |
| Allowed use | Onsite beneficial use | Onsite beneficial use |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood 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.
Tacoma 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.
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