Boston allows residential rainwater harvesting with no permit for rain barrels under 100 gallons. Larger cisterns or potable-reuse systems need ISD plumbing and building permits.
Massachusetts law generally allows rainwater harvesting with no statewide restrictions. Boston residents can install rain barrels up to 100 gallons without a permit. Larger cisterns or below-grade storage tanks need an ISD building permit, and any connection to indoor plumbing requires a plumbing permit and backflow preventer under 248 CMR. Harvested water can be used for lawn watering, garden irrigation, and toilet flushing with approved dual-plumbing. Potable reuse is not allowed. Boston offers rain barrel subsidy programs through the Greenovate Boston initiative and BWSC periodic rebate events. Green infrastructure credits are available for BWSC stormwater fee reductions.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Boston, MA
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