Austin strongly encourages rainwater harvesting and offers rebates up to $5,000 through Austin Water. Texas Property Code §202.007 prevents HOAs from banning rain barrels or cisterns. Building permits are required for cisterns over 5,000 gallons or connected to household plumbing.
Austin Water's Rainwater Harvesting Rebate offers $0.50 per gallon of pressurized storage up to $5,000 for residential and $20,000 for commercial, plus $100 per rain barrel up to 12 barrels ($1,200). The program has been running since 2006 and funded thousands of systems. Non-pressurized barrels and cisterns on outdoor drip irrigation need no permit; a building permit is required for cisterns over 5,000 gallons or any system connected to indoor plumbing (potable or non-potable). Indoor potable use requires Austin Water approval, a backflow prevention assembly, and is limited to detached systems. Texas Property Code §202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems, though HOAs may require screening and limit placement to rear yards. Texas Tax Code §151.355 exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from state sales tax. Rainwater is not subject to Texas surface-water rights — collected rainwater belongs to the collector. Gutters feeding cisterns should be screened to exclude mosquitoes (Austin Public Health Chapter 10-1).
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Austin code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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