Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Manhattan. NYC DEP runs a rain barrel giveaway program and offers green infrastructure grants for larger systems. Plumbing code rules apply to potable connections.
New York County residents may collect rainwater from rooftops for outdoor uses such as watering gardens, washing outdoor surfaces, and refilling ornamental features. NYC Department of Environmental Protection actively promotes harvesting through periodic free rain barrel distributions and technical assistance. Larger cistern systems, blue roofs, and green infrastructure features may qualify for DEPs Green Infrastructure Grant Program, especially in combined sewer overflow watersheds. Collected rainwater is not considered potable and may not be connected to a homes interior plumbing without an engineered treatment system meeting the NYC Plumbing Code and cross-connection requirements. Stormwater detention and retention systems on new developments must meet MS4 permit and sewer connection standards administered by DEP. Co-op and condo boards may require roof-load analysis before installing large storage tanks.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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