Chatham County, GA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain barrels
- Allowed, no special permit
- Captured water use
- Any time of day
- Statute
- O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7
- County/city ban
- None for residential use
- Caution
- Plumbing backflow for cisterns
Summary
Georgia encourages rainwater harvesting. Under the state Water Stewardship Act, capturing and reusing rainwater and stormwater is allowed any day at any time, even during watering restrictions. Chatham County and Savannah set no ban on residential rain barrels.
Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The Georgia Water Stewardship Act (O.C.G.A. § 12-5-7) expressly exempts captured water from the 4 p.m.–10 a.m. schedule: reuse of collected rainwater, stormwater, and cooling-system condensate is permitted daily at any time, in compliance with local ordinances and state guidelines. Rain barrels and cisterns for irrigating gardens and landscaping are encouraged as a conservation measure and are unrestricted for typical residential use. Neither Chatham County nor the City of Savannah imposes a special permit for household rain barrels, though large cisterns tied into plumbing may trigger plumbing-code backflow protection. Harvested water should be used for outdoor irrigation, not drinking, without proper treatment.
Violations & Fines
No penalty for ordinary residential rainwater harvesting. Improper cross-connection of a large cistern to potable plumbing can trigger plumbing-code enforcement and required backflow prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rain-barrel water during watering restrictions?
Do I need a permit for a backyard rain barrel?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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