Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Newton for outdoor irrigation; rain barrels and cisterns have no permit requirement for non-potable residential use.
Massachusetts law permits rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses such as lawn irrigation, garden watering, and outdoor cleaning. Newton actively encourages rain barrel use as part of stormwater management and water conservation, and MWRA and Newton DPW have periodically offered discounted rain barrel programs. Simple gravity-fed rain barrels up to 55 to 100 gallons attached to downspouts do not require permits. Larger cistern installations (500 plus gallons), underground systems, or any system connected to indoor plumbing require plumbing permits and must comply with Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR for backflow prevention. Harvested rainwater may not be used for drinking, cooking, or bathing unless treated to potable standards. Newton stormwater bylaw also recognizes harvesting as an approved best management practice.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Newton's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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