Humble, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- State Protection
- HB 3391 prohibits cities from banning
- HOA Override
- Property Code 202.007 protects from HOA bans
- Sales Tax
- Equipment exempt under Tax Code 151.355
- Local Permit
- Not required for standard rain barrels
- Potable Use
- Must meet TCEQ treatment standards
Summary
Texas state law protects the right to collect rainwater and prohibits cities and HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems. Humble has no local ordinance restricting residential rain barrel or cistern use. Property owners may collect and use rainwater for irrigation, gardening, and non-potable domestic purposes without a permit.
Texas is one of only a few states in the nation that has devoted a considerable amount of attention to rainwater harvesting and has enacted many laws regulating the practice of collecting rainwater. Texas Tax Code 151.355 allows for a state sales tax exemption on rainwater harvesting equipment. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents homeowners associations from banning rainwater harvesting installations. Texas House Bill 3391 requires rainwater harvesting system technology to be incorporated into the design of new state buildings and allows financial institutions to consider making loans for developments using rainwater as the sole source of water supply.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Texas actively encourages rainwater harvesting through multiple state laws. House Bill 3391 (2011) requires new state-funded buildings to incorporate rainwater harvesting and prohibits municipalities from banning residential rainwater collection systems. 007 prevents HOAs from prohibiting rainwater harvesting devices on residential property. 355 provides a sales tax exemption for rainwater harvesting equipment including storage tanks, gutters, downspouts, filters, and first-flush diverters. Humble does not impose additional local restrictions on rainwater collection. Standard rain barrels (50 to 100 gallons) used for landscape irrigation do not require a city permit.
Larger above-ground storage tanks that exceed the city's accessory structure size thresholds may trigger a building permit review. If rainwater is intended for potable (drinking) use, the system must comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality guidelines for filtration and treatment. Connecting a rainwater system to the home's plumbing requires backflow prevention devices per Texas Plumbing Code. Given Humble's location in the San Jacinto River watershed and its flood-prone geography, rainwater harvesting can help reduce stormwater runoff while providing supplemental irrigation water during drought restrictions.
Violations & Fines
There are no penalties for collecting rainwater in Humble. If a large storage tank is installed without any required building permit for oversized accessory structures, standard code enforcement fees apply. Improper cross-connections with city water supply without backflow prevention may result in plumbing code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to collect rainwater in Humble?
Can my HOA prevent me from installing a rain barrel?
Do I need a permit for a rainwater collection system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Humble
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Humble to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle rainwater harvesting.