City of Dripping Springs Approves Amendment to Encourage Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Irrigation

July 10, 2026 – The Dripping Springs City Council has approved an amendment to the City's plumbing code that makes it easier for qualifying standalone rainwater harvesting systems used exclusively for outdoor landscape irrigation.

The amendment is designed to encourage water conservation by clarifying that certain standalone rainwater harvesting systems do not require a City plumbing permit solely because they collect rainwater from rooftops and store it for landscape irrigation. The change removes an unnecessary permitting requirement for qualifying systems while maintaining important public health and safety protections.

"This amendment supports responsible water conservation while ensuring that systems connected to drinking water or public water supplies continue to meet all applicable safety requirements," said Mayor Bill Foulds. "By clarifying the City's code, we hope to make rainwater harvesting more accessible for property owners who want to use harvested rainwater to irrigate their landscapes."

The amendment applies only to rainwater harvesting systems that:

• Are used solely for exterior landscape irrigation or other outdoor nonpotable irrigation purposes.
• Remain completely separate from potable water systems, public water supplies, indoor plumbing fixtures, and building plumbing systems.
• Meet the requirements established in the City's adopted plumbing code.

The ordinance does not eliminate other permits or approvals that may be required for a project. Depending on the installation, property owners may still need permits related to structural work, electrical work, grading, drainage, floodplain regulations, or other applicable local, state, or utility requirements.

Commercial developments served by a public water supply must also continue to comply with applicable backflow protection requirements. In addition, all property owners remain responsible for meeting any requirements established by their public water supplier.

The amendment reflects the City's ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship of water resources while ensuring that public health, safety, and infrastructure protections remain in place.

Property owners considering a rainwater harvesting system are encouraged to contact the City's Development Services Department with questions about project-specific requirements at 512-858-4725.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

Click here for copy of ordinance.