Cook County does not prohibit rainwater harvesting. Illinois has no state law restricting residential rainwater collection. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) actively encourages rain barrel and green infrastructure programs in Cook County.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Cook County and throughout Illinois. There is no state or county ordinance restricting the collection of rainwater for residential use. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which serves Cook County, runs a rain barrel distribution program providing free or low-cost rain barrels to residents. MWRD also promotes green infrastructure including rain gardens, permeable pavement, and bioswales to manage stormwater. The Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability supports stormwater management best practices. Large-scale rainwater harvesting systems that connect to plumbing may require a building permit and must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code. Rain barrels for garden use do not require permits.
No violations for residential rainwater collection. Large systems connecting to building plumbing must comply with the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Admin. Code 890).
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See how Cook County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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