Oregon Rainwater Harvesting Permitted Statewide

ORS 537.141(1)(b) exempts the use of rainwater collected from an artificial impervious surface, including a building roof or parking lot, from the water right permitting requirements that otherwise govern Oregon water diversion. This statewide rule means homeowners may install rain barrels, cisterns, or larger rooftop collection systems without applying to the Oregon Water Resources Department. However, plumbing code requirements administered by the Oregon Building Codes Division still apply to systems that connect to indoor plumbing, and local building permits may be needed for tanks above certain sizes. Collection from natural ground surfaces, streams, or springs still requires a water right.

Diverting water from non-rooftop sources without a water right violates ORS 537.130 and may incur civil penalties from the Oregon Water Resources Department.