Rainwater harvesting is legal in The Bronx. NYC DEP actively encourages residential rain barrels through free giveaway events. Stored water is for non-potable outdoor use only.
New York has no statewide prohibition on rainwater capture. NYC DEP and GrowNYC have distributed tens of thousands of 55-gallon rain barrels free to homeowners. Barrels must be covered to prevent mosquitoes and drained before winter to avoid freezing damage. Larger cistern systems connected to plumbing require DOB plan approval and DOH oversight if used indoors. Green-infrastructure grants are available for qualifying properties through DEP.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Bronx County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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