Eagan, MN Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Rainwater harvesting is encouraged rather than restricted in Eagan. The City notes that a typical Eagan house roof sheds about 1,700 gallons during a 1-inch rainstorm from May through October, and that roughly 36,482 gallons of rainwater could be harvested per year for use on a lawn or plants. Using rain barrels lowers impacts to Eagan's lakes and wetlands by reducing the stormwater entering the drainage system. The City's published rain-barrel guidance recommends using a downspout diverter to capture water, sealing barrels or fitting fine screens to block mosquitoes, draining barrels regularly to avoid stagnation and preserve capacity, and using the captured water to nourish plants during dry spells. For health reasons, the City advises that roof water should not be used for drinking or on edible plants. Eagan does not publish a permit requirement for a residential rain barrel. Beyond barrels, the City promotes rain gardens, shallow planted depressions that infiltrate roof and driveway runoff, and partners with the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District on Landscaping for Clean Water workshops, which provide design help and financial incentives. A City cost-share program reimburses a portion of qualifying projects such as rain gardens, shoreline buffers and other runoff-reduction practices.