Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Nassau County, with no state or county permit required for residential rain barrels used for lawn and garden irrigation. Given Long Island Sole Source Aquifer concerns, capturing rain for outdoor use reduces aquifer demand.
New York has no statewide rainwater harvesting regulation for residential outdoor use. Rain barrels (typically 50-75 gallons) installed on downspouts for garden irrigation are unrestricted. Larger cistern systems or systems connected to indoor plumbing may require plumbing permits under NY Residential Code. Potable use of harvested rainwater requires engineered treatment and is rarely approved for single-family use. The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District periodically offers subsidized rain barrels.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Nassau County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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