Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Oregon?
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Oregon as of 2026. Oregon allows rainwater harvesting but regulates it under the state's water rights system. Small-scale collection for domestic use is generally permitted without a water right, but larger collection or commercial use requires a permit (ORS 537.545).
Collecting Rainwater is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Oregon
Collecting Rainwater is legal in Oregon but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Collecting Rainwater Laws in Oregon: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Collecting Rainwater is currently legal with restrictions in Oregon.
- 2 Possession: Allowed for domestic use without permit; permits required for larger scale or commercial use.
- 3 Sale: Sale requires appropriate water rights or permits.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Civil penalties for unauthorized water use.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Allowed for domestic use without permit; permits required for larger scale or commercial use. |
| Sale | Sale requires appropriate water rights or permits. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Civil penalties for unauthorized water use. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Oregon Compare?
Across all 50 states, Collecting Rainwater is fully legal in 36 states, legal with restrictions in 14 states, and illegal in 0 states. Oregon is among the 14 states where it is legal with restrictions.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: Oregon Water Resources Department
https://www.oregon.gov/owrd/programs/water-rights/Pages/rainwater-harvesting.aspx
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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