Indiana law permits property owners to collect rainwater from rooftops without a state permit, treating captured rainwater as private property. The state has no surface water rights restrictions on residential rainwater harvesting, though local building codes may regulate cistern installation.
Unlike some western states, Indiana follows riparian water rights and does not regulate residential rainwater collection at the state level. Property owners may install rain barrels, cisterns, and rooftop collection systems for non-potable uses such as irrigation. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management does not require permits for collection systems serving single-family residences. Larger commercial systems and any potable-use systems must comply with state plumbing code under 675 IAC. Local jurisdictions may impose setback or aesthetic requirements but cannot prohibit residential rainwater collection outright under general state water policy.
Improperly installed cisterns connected to potable plumbing without backflow prevention violate state plumbing code and may require removal.
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See how Anderson's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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