Rainwater harvesting is legal and unrestricted in Bristol County. Massachusetts has no state limits on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns allowed without special permits.
Massachusetts places no significant restrictions on residential rainwater harvesting — a stark contrast to western water-law states. Bristol County residents may collect rainwater in rain barrels, cisterns, and collection systems for garden irrigation, lawn watering, and non-potable household uses (toilet flushing, laundry with appropriate plumbing) without special permits in most cases. Large cisterns connected to interior plumbing trigger 248 CMR (MA Plumbing Code) cross-connection requirements and a plumbing permit. HOAs in planned developments (Dartmouth, Seekonk, Rehoboth) may restrict visible rain barrel placement. Potable use requires treatment systems meeting 310 CMR 22 (Drinking Water Regulations). Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton have occasionally run rain-barrel distribution programs through water departments.
No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cisterns connected to interior plumbing without plumbing permit: 248 CMR violation $100 to $500. Cross-connection violations: water-department enforcement.
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates noise through its general ordinance provisions and MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10. Habitual barking or noise that disturbs a neighborhood is decl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford declares habitual barking dogs a public nuisance under the city ordinance. The keeping of any dog which by habitual howling, yelping, barking or ...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford regulates construction noise under its general ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise and disturb the neighbor...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford enforces snow emergency parking bans during winter storms under Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances. During a snow ban, parking is allowed on th...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford restricts heavy traffic and commercial vehicle parking in designated zones under §23-23 of the Code of Ordinances. Commercial vehicles must compl...
New Bedford, MA
New Bedford's zoning ordinance Chapter 9 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Parking in front of public or private driveways is prohibited. Off-stree...
See how New Bedford's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.