Dallas County, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal
- Yes, encouraged by state law
- HOA Restrictions
- Prohibited (TX Property Code 202.007)
- Tax Exemption
- Sales tax exempt equipment
- Permit
- None required
Summary
Texas strongly supports rainwater harvesting. TX Water Code Section 16.0121 promotes collection. TX Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems. TX Tax Code provides sales tax exemption for equipment. No county permit required.
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:(1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system;(3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or(4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf.(b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.(c) A property owners' associat
Full Breakdown
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Texas and fully legal in unincorporated Dallas County. TX Water Code Section 16.0121 requires new state buildings to incorporate rainwater harvesting. TX Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from restricting rainwater harvesting systems (effective 2011), though HOAs may require systems to conform to certain aesthetic standards. TX Tax Code provides a sales tax exemption for rainwater harvesting equipment. No county permit is required for residential rainwater collection systems. There are no collection volume limits. The Texas Water Development Board and Texas AgriLife Extension Service provide guidance on residential rainwater harvesting system design.
Violations & Fines
No violations for residential rainwater harvesting. HOA restrictions on harvesting are void per TX Property Code Section 202.007.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rainwater harvesting legal in unincorporated Dallas County?
Can I use rainwater for drinking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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