Showing ordinances that apply to Northwest Harbor, NY
Northwest Harbor is an unincorporated community (population 4,637) in Suffolk County, New York. Because Northwest Harbor is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Suffolk County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The rainwater harvesting rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged throughout Suffolk County. Rain barrels and small cisterns require no permit. The Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District periodically offers subsidized rain-barrel programs. Larger cisterns and potable reuse systems require plumbing permits and backflow prevention.
New York has no statewide restriction on rainwater collection, unlike some Western states. Small rain barrels (under 55 gallons) connected to downspouts for irrigation use are unregulated. Larger cisterns (over 500 gallons) or any system connected to indoor plumbing require Suffolk County Department of Health Services review and a NY-licensed plumber. Backflow preventers are required whenever harvested water could contact potable supply.
Unpermitted cistern connection to indoor plumbing: Suffolk DHS notice and correction order. Cross-connection without backflow preventer: mandatory disconnection plus $500 fine.
See how Northwest Harbor's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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