Fishers, IN Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

A review of the Fishers Code of Ordinances found no provision restricting residential rainwater collection or rain barrels. Indiana imposes no statewide ban on harvesting rainwater, making collection for non-potable outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens generally lawful for homeowners. Indiana addresses non-potable rainwater collection systems through its adopted residential code (the 2020 Indiana Residential Code includes provisions on non-potable rainwater systems), which governs system design and plumbing where a permanent system ties into a structure. Because Fishers' own utility water comes from the Citizens Water / Indiana American system, collecting rainwater does not draw on the treated supply governed by Chapter 52; in fact, rain barrels are a common voluntary conservation method during drought-alert conditions. Indiana's Water Resource Management Act (IC 14-25-7) regulates only 'significant water withdrawal facilities' capable of withdrawing more than 100,000 gallons per day, which must register with the Natural Resources Commission and report annual use; ordinary residential rain barrels are far below that threshold. Homeowners in a covenanted community should still check private HOA rules, which are not city ordinances. Always confirm current code requirements with the Fishers Department of Planning and Zoning before installing a permanent system tied to plumbing.