Rainwater harvesting is legal and unrestricted in Bristol County. Massachusetts has no state limits on residential collection. Rain barrels and cisterns allowed without special permits.
Massachusetts places no significant restrictions on residential rainwater harvesting — a stark contrast to western water-law states. Bristol County residents may collect rainwater in rain barrels, cisterns, and collection systems for garden irrigation, lawn watering, and non-potable household uses (toilet flushing, laundry with appropriate plumbing) without special permits in most cases. Large cisterns connected to interior plumbing trigger 248 CMR (MA Plumbing Code) cross-connection requirements and a plumbing permit. HOAs in planned developments (Dartmouth, Seekonk, Rehoboth) may restrict visible rain barrel placement. Potable use requires treatment systems meeting 310 CMR 22 (Drinking Water Regulations). Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton have occasionally run rain-barrel distribution programs through water departments.
No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cisterns connected to interior plumbing without plumbing permit: 248 CMR violation $100 to $500. Cross-connection violations: water-department enforcement.
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See how Somerset's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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