Oregon Statewide Rule
Oregon Rainwater Harvesting Permitted Statewide
Key Facts
- Rooftop collection
- No water right needed
- Statute
- ORS 537.141(1)(b)
- Indoor plumbing
- Building code applies
- Ground surface collection
- Water right required
- Regulating agency
- Water Resources Department
Summary
Oregon allows rainwater collection from impervious rooftop surfaces without a water right under ORS 537.141. The statute explicitly exempts rooftop harvesting, providing universal authorization across the state for residential and commercial uses.
(h) The collection of precipitation water from an artificial impervious surface and the use of such water; (i) Land application of ground water so long as the ground water: (A) Has first been appropriated and used under a permit or certificate issued under ORS 537.625 or 537.630 for a water right issued for industrial purposes or a water right authorizing use of water for confined animal feeding purposes; (B) Is reused for irrigation purposes and the period of irrigation is a period during which the reused water has never been discharged to the waters of the state; and (C) Is applied pursuant to a permit issued by the Department of Environmental Quality or the State Department of Agriculture under either ORS 468B.050 to construct and operate a disposal system or ORS 468B.215 to operate a confined animal feeding operation; and (j) Surface mining practices that result in the removal of water from a surface mine subject to an operating permit or reclamation plan approved by the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, unless the water is used for a subsequent beneficial use.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a rain barrel in Oregon?
Can I collect rainwater from my driveway?
Can I use harvested rainwater for drinking?
Sources
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