Minnesota permits rainwater harvesting for non-potable outdoor uses, with no ownership restrictions claiming rainwater belongs to the state—unlike stricter Western states.
Harvesting Rules
Rainwater collection is legal statewide from rooftops of hard, impervious materials, regulated under the 2015 Minnesota Plumbing Code (Chapter 4714.1702). It cannot come from parking lots, surface runoff, or stagnant sources, and systems must meet construction standards for safety.
Water Rights Framework
Minnesota follows riparian rights doctrine, where landowners adjacent to water bodies have reasonable use rights, but rainwater on private property is treated as the owner’s to manage. No appropriation permit is needed for small-scale rooftop systems unless impacting downstream rights, which is rare.
Conservation Incentives
State law encourages stormwater/rainwater reuse via 2014 legislation, offering credits for infiltration or non-potable applications like irrigation. Large systems or potable reuse require local permits and health reviews.
