Rainwater harvesting is legal in Monroe County with no state restrictions. Rain barrels widely encouraged for Lake Ontario and Genesee River watershed protection. Monroe County distributes discounted barrels seasonally.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Monroe County. New York imposes no state-level restrictions on residential collection. Rain barrels and small cisterns typically need no building permit. Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District periodically distributes discounted rain barrels through their H2O Hero program to reduce stormwater runoff into Lake Ontario and the Genesee River. Rochester MS4 stormwater program encourages rain gardens and rain barrels. Large cisterns (over 360 gallons) or systems tied into household plumbing may require town building permit and backflow prevention under NYS Plumbing Code. Potable indoor use requires treatment meeting MCDPH standards. HOAs may restrict visible barrel placement.
No penalties for standard residential rain barrels. Large cistern without permit: $100 to $500. Plumbing cross-connection: health department violation and corrective order.
Gates, NY
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Monroe County, NY
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Monroe County, NY
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Monroe County, NY
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See how Gates's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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