Is Harvesting Rainwater Legal? Here’s What You Need to Know

As the conversation around water conservation grows, more people are turning to rainwater harvesting as an eco-friendly solution for reducing water waste and nurturing their gardens. But one question continues to pop up: Is rainwater harvesting legal?

The simple answer is yes, rainwater harvesting is legal in all 50 U.S. states. While there are some regulations to consider in certain areas, rainwater collection is broadly supported and encouraged as a sustainable practice. In this article, we’ll explore the legality of rainwater harvesting across the country and explain how you can start collecting rainwater in a way that’s both environmentally friendly and fully compliant with local laws.

Rainwater Harvesting Laws by State: A Quick Overview

Contrary to popular belief, collecting rainwater is legal in all states. However, the specifics of how you collect and use it can vary depending on where you live. Let’s break it down:

States with Few or No Regulations

The majority of U.S. states have no specific laws or restrictions on rainwater harvesting. In these areas, homeowners are free to collect and store rainwater without limitation, as long as it is used for non-potable purposes (like gardening, lawn care, or irrigation). States with minimal regulation include:

• Michigan
• California
• Texas
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho

These states encourage rainwater harvesting as a way to conserve water, particularly in regions that experience frequent droughts. In fact, many local governments even offer rebates and incentives for installing rainwater collection systems.

States with Guidelines or Incentives

Some states have implemented guidelines to ensure that rainwater harvesting is conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. For example, certain states may require that the collected water be used only for outdoor irrigation, while others might allow rainwater to be used indoors for purposes such as flushing toilets or laundry.

• Colorado: Colorado previously had restrictions on rainwater harvesting, but since 2016, residents can now collect up to 110 gallons of rainwater for outdoor use. The law ensures that water rights downstream are protected.
• Arizona: This state promotes rainwater harvesting through various incentive programs, offering tax credits for homeowners who install approved collection systems.
• New Mexico: The state encourages the practice and has specific building codes in place for rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring safe collection and distribution.

In these states, residents can benefit from government support in the form of rebates or technical assistance for setting up sustainable rainwater harvesting systems.

States with Specific Regulations

In a few states, rainwater harvesting is subject to specific rules. These regulations typically exist to protect water rights or public health, but they still allow for rainwater collection with certain provisions:

• Utah: Utah allows residents to collect rainwater but requires registration for systems over 100 gallons. Small rain barrels are permitted without registration, making it easy for homeowners to begin harvesting water.
• Oregon: Oregon encourages rainwater harvesting but requires that larger systems be professionally designed and meet plumbing code requirements for use inside homes.

Despite these guidelines, the key takeaway is that in every state, homeowners can legally collect and use rainwater in ways that contribute to water conservation.

Why Rainwater Harvesting Is Encouraged

In addition to being legal, rainwater harvesting is also supported by governments and environmental organizations alike. Here’s why:

1. Water Conservation

Rainwater harvesting reduces the demand on public water supplies and decreases the amount of treated water used for non-potable purposes like gardening or cleaning. By harvesting rainwater, homeowners can reduce their water bills and help protect local water resources.

2. Environmental Benefits

By collecting rainwater, you help reduce stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, and oil into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This practice reduces water contamination and helps preserve local ecosystems.

3. Drought Resilience

In areas prone to drought, having a backup supply of water can be a game-changer. Rainwater harvesting allows homeowners to maintain their gardens and lawns even during water restrictions or shortages.

4. Financial Incentives

Many states and municipalities offer rebates, tax credits, and incentives for installing rainwater harvesting systems. For example, in Texas, cities like Austin offer rebates of up to $500 for rainwater collection systems. California has similar programs that promote water conservation through financial incentives.

How to Get Started with Rainwater Harvesting

Since rainwater harvesting is legal across the country, there’s no reason not to get started! Here are some easy steps to begin:

1. Install a Rain Barrel: The simplest way to collect rainwater is by installing a rain barrel under your gutter downspout. Our Terra Cotta Rain Barrel is an excellent choice, offering an eco-friendly and durable option for rainwater collection.
2. Ensure Proper Setup: Make sure your rain barrel is equipped with features like a mesh screen to keep out debris, a spigot for easy water access, and an overflow valve to manage excess water during heavy rain.
3. Use Collected Water Wisely: Use your harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes like watering your plants, cleaning outdoor surfaces, or even washing your car. In some states, with the right setup, rainwater can be used indoors for flushing toilets or doing laundry.
4. Check Local Guidelines: While rainwater harvesting is legal everywhere, check your local ordinances or guidelines to make sure you’re following any specific rules, especially if you plan to install a larger system.

In Conclusion: Both Legal and Encouraged, Rainwater Harvesting Is the Future

Rainwater harvesting is a legal, sustainable, and environmentally friendly way to conserve water, save money, and reduce your ecological footprint. Whether you live in a state with no regulations or one with guidelines in place, there are plenty of ways to start capturing rainwater and making a positive impact on your home and the environment.

With the right system—like our Terra Cotta Rain Barrel—you can begin collecting rainwater today and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, rainwater is a free, renewable resource, so why not take advantage of it?