Auburn, AL Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Rainwater harvesting is permitted and promoted in Auburn. The City partners with Auburn University Stormwater to host rain barrel workshops, where "attendees receive a free rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater at home along with tips on how to install, maintain and troubleshoot potential issues." These workshops have been funded through a grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Auburn does not appear to publish any ordinance restricting how much rainwater a household may capture from its own roof. At the state level, Alabama has no statewide prohibition on residential rainwater harvesting; collecting rainwater from your roof for outdoor use (irrigation, washing) is legal, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System publishes a homeowner's guide encouraging rain-barrel use. There is, however, no dedicated Alabama tax credit or rebate specifically for rainwater harvesting equipment. Rainwater capture also supports Auburn's broader stormwater goals: the City's Stormwater Management Plan and stormwater ordinance (addressed in the city code's drainage/flood-control provisions) aim to reduce runoff and protect water quality, and rain barrels help by slowing roof runoff. Harvested rainwater should be used for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation. Always follow basic safety guidance (screen the barrel, use a secure lid) and check for any HOA rules that might affect barrel placement.