Edmond, OK Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Oklahoma places no statutory restrictions on residential rainwater harvesting. Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) actively encourages rainwater collection as part of the state water conservation strategy. Rain barrels and standard cisterns under 500 gallons typically require no permit in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Midwest City, or unincorporated Oklahoma County. Large cisterns over 500 gallons or structural ground-level tanks may trigger building permits under OKC §59-6550. Potable use of collected rainwater requires filtration, UV treatment, and compliance with ODEQ drinking water standards (OAC 252:631). Non-potable uses — garden irrigation, lawn watering, car washing, laundry greywater — need no special treatment. Oklahoma City Utilities operates a rain-barrel rebate program ($50 per barrel, max 2 per household per lifetime) through the WaterWise initiative. HOAs may restrict visible rain barrels — decorative or painted barrels in side/rear yards typically avoid disputes. Oklahoma's average 37 inches annual rainfall makes harvesting productive.