Missouri Statewide Rule

Missouri Rainwater Harvesting Statewide Property Right

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Missouri (2026)

Missouri statute guarantees every landowner the right to collect, use, and own rainwater systems anywhere on their property, including inside city limits.

Key Facts

Statute: RSMo 640.648
Statewide right: Yes, including cities
Permit required: No state permit
Effective date: August 28, 2018

Source: Missouri Revisor of Statutes

Full Breakdown

RSMo 640.648 declares that, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all Missouri landowners retain the right to have, use, and own systems for rainwater collection anytime and anywhere on their own property, including land within city limits. Enacted via SB 782 effective August 28, 2018, the statute establishes a universal property right that supersedes conflicting local ordinances banning or restricting residential rainwater collection. The state imposes no permit, registration, or volume cap on residential rainwater harvesting. Cities may still regulate health, safety, mosquito abatement, and cross-connection control on potable systems, but cannot ban rainwater collection itself.

Violations & Penalties

Local ordinances prohibiting residential rainwater collection are void; cities retain only narrow public health enforcement authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Missouri city ban my rain barrel?

No. RSMo 640.648 protects every landowner's right to collect rainwater anywhere on their property, including within incorporated cities. A blanket municipal ban on rain barrels is preempted.

Does Missouri restrict potable indoor use of harvested rainwater?

No. The statute permits both potable and non-potable uses of harvested rainwater, though Department of Natural Resources cross-connection rules apply if the system is tied to a public water supply.

Sources

Missouri RSMo 640.648

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Missouri city ban my rain barrel?

No. RSMo 640.648 protects every landowner's right to collect rainwater anywhere on their property, including within incorporated cities. A blanket municipal ban on rain barrels is preempted.

Does Missouri restrict potable indoor use of harvested rainwater?

No. The statute permits both potable and non-potable uses of harvested rainwater, though Department of Natural Resources cross-connection rules apply if the system is tied to a public water supply.