Rainwater collection in rain barrels and cisterns is permitted in Des Plaines under the Illinois Rainwater Harvesting Act (415 ILCS 56). Collected water must be used for non-potable purposes such as landscape irrigation, with proper backflow prevention if connected to plumbing.
Illinois law (415 ILCS 56), the Rainwater Harvesting Act, allows residents to collect and use rainwater for non-potable purposes. Des Plaines residents may install rain barrels at downspouts and larger cisterns for landscape irrigation, vehicle washing, and other non-potable uses. Systems connected to building plumbing must include backflow prevention to protect the public water supply and require a plumbing permit. Stand-alone barrels at downspouts generally do not require a permit. Mosquito control is essential — barrels should be screened or covered. Some flood-prone properties along the Des Plaines River may benefit from larger detention systems. Contact Community and Economic Development at (847) 391-5380.
Improperly connected systems creating cross-connections with potable water may result in fines of $100 to $500 plus required removal. Open barrels breeding mosquitoes may trigger nuisance citations.
Des Plaines, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle rainwater harvesting.
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