Milwaukee encourages rainwater harvesting through the MMSD rain barrel program. Rain barrels are unregulated at the City level and subsidized through regional stormwater programs.
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District partners with the nonprofit Groundwater Foundation and Milwaukee Water Works to promote rain barrels, rain gardens, and downspout disconnection. MMSD sells subsidized 55-gallon rain barrels seasonally for around $55 each as part of its Greenseams and Fresh Coast Resource Protection programs. Residents may disconnect downspouts from the combined sewer and route them to lawns or rain gardens without a permit. Cisterns over 500 gallons require plumbing permits from DNS. Harvested rainwater is limited to non-potable landscape use.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Milwaukee code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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See how Milwaukee's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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