Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged throughout Suffolk County. Rain barrels and small cisterns require no permit. The Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District periodically offers subsidized rain-barrel programs. Larger cisterns and potable reuse systems require plumbing permits and backflow prevention.
New York has no statewide restriction on rainwater collection, unlike some Western states. Small rain barrels (under 55 gallons) connected to downspouts for irrigation use are unregulated. Larger cisterns (over 500 gallons) or any system connected to indoor plumbing require Suffolk County Department of Health Services review and a NY-licensed plumber. Backflow preventers are required whenever harvested water could contact potable supply.
Unpermitted cistern connection to indoor plumbing: Suffolk DHS notice and correction order. Cross-connection without backflow preventer: mandatory disconnection plus $500 fine.
Suffolk County, NY
Suffolk County skateboarders are governed mainly by town ordinances regulating sidewalk and street use; New York Vehicle and Traffic Law treats e-skateboards...
Suffolk County, NY
New York courts have struck down most general loitering offenses on constitutional grounds, leaving Suffolk County to rely on narrowly drawn state statutes; ...
Suffolk County, NY
Loud parties on Long Island fall under town noise ordinances and the New York Penal Law disorderly conduct statute, with Hamptons summer rentals drawing inte...
Suffolk County, NY
Suffolk County prohibits smoking in county parks, beaches, and many outdoor public spaces, building on New York's Clean Indoor Air Act with additional county...
Suffolk County, NY
Under New York Cannabis Law and Public Health Law, adults over 21 may smoke or vape cannabis anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed, but Suffolk County parks an...
Suffolk County, NY
New York State Liquor Authority law and local Suffolk County town codes generally prohibit consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in pub...
See how Suffolk County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.