Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is legal and encouraged in Washington under a 2009 Ecology policy. Spokane residents may collect rooftop runoff without a water right for non-potable use.
Under Washington Department of Ecology Interpretive Policy Statement POL-1017 (2009), rooftop rainwater collection does not require a water right and is allowed statewide for on-site beneficial use. Spokane residents can install rain barrels and cisterns to capture rooftop runoff for garden irrigation, landscape use, and non-potable purposes without permits for small systems. Larger cisterns (typically over 1,000 gallons) or any system intended for potable use require plumbing permits and may need health department review. Rain gardens and bioswales for stormwater management are encouraged by Spokane Public Works and may qualify for stormwater utility credits. Water quality treatment required for potable reuse. Spokane Conservation District offers rain barrel workshops and sometimes discounted barrels.
None typical for small rain barrels. Potable reuse without proper treatment can trigger health department enforcement. Cross-connections with municipal supply prohibited.
See how Spokane's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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