Texas strongly encourages rainwater harvesting. Homeowners may install rain barrels and cisterns without a city permit for non-potable outdoor use. Larger systems connected to potable plumbing require a licensed installer and backflow prevention.
Texas Property Code Section 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems, and Texas Tax Code Section 151.355 exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from state sales tax. Lubbock allows residential rain barrels and cisterns for outdoor irrigation and non-potable uses without a permit. Systems that connect to a home plumbing system for potable use must be installed by a licensed plumber, include backflow prevention, and comply with Texas Water Development Board design guidelines and TCEQ Chapter 290 rules. Because Lubbock averages only about 19 inches of rain per year, rain harvesting complements drought contingency measures but will not replace municipal supply. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Texas Water Development Board publish installation manuals. No rebate program is currently offered by Lubbock Water Utilities, but state sales tax exemption applies at purchase.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Lubbock's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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