Travis County, TX Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA
- Cannot prohibit, 202.007
- Sales Tax
- Exempt, 151.355
- Austin Rebate
- Up to 5,000 dollars
- Indoor Potable
- TCEQ 290/285 standards
- Hill Country
- Common primary supply
Summary
Texas strongly supports rainwater harvesting under TX Property Code 202.007 (HOAs cannot prohibit) and Tax Code 151.355 (sales tax exemption for equipment). Travis County and Austin offer rebates. Systems used for indoor potable supply must meet TCEQ standards. No permit needed for outdoor irrigation systems.
Sec. 202.007. CERTAIN RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS PROHIBITED. (a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from: (1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass; (2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system; (3) implementing efficient irrigation systems, including underground drip or other drip systems; or (4) using drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (b) A provision that violates Subsection (a) is void.
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code 202.007 explicitly prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater collection systems, though they may impose reasonable aesthetic and location requirements. Tax Code 151.355 exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from state sales tax. Austin Water Conservation rebates: up to 5,000 dollars for non-pressurized systems, higher for pressurized. Travis County encourages harvesting given LCRA supply pressures. Systems for indoor potable use must comply with TCEQ 30 TAC 290 and 285, including proper filtration, UV treatment, backflow prevention, and cross-connection control. TX HB 3391 (2011) requires new state buildings to evaluate rainwater systems. The Hill Country has many homes entirely dependent on rainwater catchment where well drilling to Trinity aquifer is cost-prohibitive.
Violations & Fines
HOA attempting to ban harvesting: violates TX Prop Code 202.007, homeowner can seek injunction and attorneys fees. Indoor potable without TCEQ compliance: public health violation, system must be decommissioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Travis County HOA prohibit rain barrels?
Do I need a permit for a rainwater system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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