Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated in St. Louis. Missouri does not restrict private rainwater collection.
Missouri recognizes private rainwater harvesting rights, and there are no state or local bans on collecting rooftop runoff. St. Louis residents commonly install rain barrels at downspouts for garden use. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) has historically offered rain barrel rebates and green infrastructure grants to reduce combined sewer overflows in the aging city system. Rain barrels up to 55-100 gallons require no permit. Larger cistern systems (above-ground or below-ground) used for irrigation or non-potable indoor use (toilet flushing) require a plumbing permit and must be installed with approved backflow prevention to protect the potable water supply. Harvested water may not be used for drinking, cooking, or bathing without NSF-certified treatment. Stored water must be covered to prevent mosquito breeding.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
St. Louis, MO
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See how St. Louis's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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