Omaha, NE Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Nebraska law permits rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses such as irrigation, with no state-level cap on residential collection volume. Omaha allows rain barrels and cisterns on residential property; typical barrels are 50 to 90 gallons and connect to downspouts. Larger cisterns (500 gallons or more) used for garden irrigation may be placed above or below ground subject to plumbing permit for pump connections. Collected water cannot be connected to potable fixtures or cross-connected with the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) drinking-water system; a backflow preventer is required if any connection approaches potable plumbing. Rain gardens and bioswales are encouraged under Omaha's Combined Sewer Overflow program (Clean Solutions for Omaha) and may qualify for stormwater credits. Downspout disconnection rebates have been offered in the past. Mosquito control is essential; barrels must have fine mesh screens. HOAs sometimes require screening of visible barrels. Continental climate means barrels must be drained and disconnected before hard freeze to prevent cracking.