Oak Lawn permits residential rainwater harvesting for outdoor non-potable uses like gardening and lawn watering, consistent with the Illinois Plumbing License Law and 415 ILCS 56. Large or indoor systems may require plumbing permits and backflow prevention.
Illinois broadly permits rainwater harvesting under the Illinois Plumbing License Law and 415 ILCS 56 (the Illinois Green Infrastructure Act and related provisions). In Oak Lawn, residents may install rain barrels and small collection systems to capture rooftop runoff for outdoor non-potable uses including lawn irrigation, garden watering, and landscape maintenance. Rain barrels must have covered openings to prevent mosquito breeding and overflow that directs water away from foundations and neighboring properties. Larger cistern systems, or any system that connects to indoor plumbing for toilet flushing or other non-potable indoor uses, require a plumbing permit and must include proper backflow prevention to protect the potable water supply. Harvested rainwater cannot be used for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Rain gardens and bioswales are also encouraged as part of stormwater management. Contact the Building Department at (708) 499-7830.
Improperly installed rain barrels that create mosquito breeding or drainage problems can be cited under property maintenance code with fines of $50 to $200. Cross-connections to potable water systems without backflow prevention are serious violations subject to immediate shut-off and fines up to $500 plus mandatory correction.
Oak Lawn, IL
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