Humble, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

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. Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prevents HOAs from prohibiting rainwater harvesting devices on residential property. Texas Tax Code Section 151.355 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.