Rainwater collection is legal in New York for non-potable residential uses across Broome County. No permit is required for rain barrels. NY Department of Health regulates potable catchment systems under 10 NYCRR Part 5. Soil and Water Conservation District of Broome County encourages barrel use for stormwater reduction.
New York is an unrestricted rainwater-harvesting state — collection for non-potable use (garden irrigation, lawn watering, pressure washing) is legal without permit anywhere in Broome County. Binghamton, Johnson City, Vestal, and Endicott have no ordinance limiting rain barrels. Potable rainwater catchment systems are regulated under 10 NYCRR Part 5 by NY Department of Health and require DOH approval, first-flush diverters, and typically UV or membrane disinfection. Rain barrels should have mosquito screens under NYS Public Health Law guidance. Broome County Soil and Water Conservation District offers periodic rain-barrel workshops and subsidized barrels (~$65 each). Susquehanna River Basin Commission supports harvesting as a stormwater-management practice to reduce runoff into the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers.
No violations for non-potable use. Unapproved potable systems violate 10 NYCRR Part 5 — NY DOH civil penalties possible.
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See how Broome County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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