Rainwater harvesting for outdoor, non-potable use is legal and unregulated in Buffalo. Rain barrels and cisterns require no permit when used for garden irrigation. Connecting harvested water to household plumbing requires a plumbing permit and backflow protection.
New York State does not restrict rainwater capture for private, non-potable uses (gardening, washing, fire suppression). The Buffalo Sewer Authority actually encourages rain barrels and green infrastructure as part of its long-term combined-sewer-overflow reduction program (Rain Check Buffalo) and periodically offers rebates or free barrels. Homeowners can install 50-80 gallon rain barrels off downspouts without any city permit. Larger cisterns or any plumbing cross-connection to indoor fixtures must meet NY Plumbing Code and Erie County Health Department cross-connection/backflow rules. Harvested water should not be used for drinking.
No penalties for properly maintained rain barrels. Unapproved cross-connections to potable plumbing can trigger plumbing-permit violations and Health Department orders.
Buffalo, NY
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See how Buffalo's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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