Rainwater collection is the absorption and disposal of water and then reusing it for on-site use. It makes it simple to use the Earth’s hydrologic cycle by simply building a device in one’s own house. It lowers the demand for water services and increases recycling efforts for residents to catch rainwater on their land. In homesteading, rainwater collection is popular.
Well, there are no rules or limits on rainwater collection in the Federal Government. Most states allow and even encourage people to collect rainwater. For example, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia promote rainwater collection by providing a tax credit or deduction for rainwater collecting devices. Although there are limits on the quantity and how the rainwater can be raised, rainwater collection in all 50 states is unconstitutional.
The harvest of rainwater is sometimes a health issue because some water is insecure and not fit for consumption (i.e., drinking). It must be taken into account by lawmakers. So, Let’s recollect facts from US states where rainwater collection 2021 is illegal without further discussion!
Below are the states where accumulation of rainwater is legal or lawful:
Alabama
The collection of rainwater is considered a right of privacy. There are no existing rainwater harvesting laws. Rainwater is a private property right in the State of Alabama. Currently, no rainwater harvest regulations exist in the state. Alabama A&M and the Auburn University Extension Services have published a document that promotes collecting rainwater and provides technical guidance.
Arkansas
The harvest of rainwater is permitted with some minor limitations. The Arkansas Code Rainwater annotated Article 17-38-201 provides for the use of a competent engineer approved in Arkansas who has designed a harvest system to provide appropriate cross-linking protection under the Plumbing Code for non-potting purposes. Without obeying the provincial laws, the collection of rainwater harvesting is illegal in this state.
Alaska
The harvest of rainwater in Alaska is being promoted and considered to be the main water source. However, regulations are stricter for groundwater harvesting. According to the Alaska Natural Resources Department, if you live near any particular body of water, you require water rights to use that water. You must apply for water rights, accompanied by an appropriate fee, if you have not been given the water rights transfer from your previous owner.
Arizona
In Arizona, the collection of rainwater is legal. House Bill 2830 requires towns and cities to set up a rainwater collection fund through the Department of Water Resources. This is supported by Two House Bills, 2363 and 2830. House Bill 2363 creates the joint legislative committee for the study and assessment of scientific data, cost and benefit, and potential impacts on water rights on macro-harvested rainwater.
Connecticut
There is no restriction in the collection of rainwater, and the State is encouraged to collect rainwater. Indeed, an energy and environmental protection paper released by the Connecticut Department encourages citizens to collect rainwater. The rainfall in Connecticut is fairly even throughout the year and averages in the range of 44″ (1117.6 mm) to 48″ (1219.2mm) annually.
California
The 2012 Rainwater Capture Act provides California with the option of installing, maintaining, and operating rainwater systems to private, industrial, and government owners. The State of California adopted Bill 1730 in 2012, which enacted the Rainwater Capture Act 2012 that enabled the collection of rainwater as long as it is consistent with the California National Water Board requirements. This Act provides for rain barrel systems and water collection systems for special residential, commercial, and public property owners to be installed, retained, and operated.
Colorado
The total population capacity of 2 rain-fed tanks is 110 gallons of rainwater, according to Bill 16-1005 in Colorado, only on-premises where the water is collected for outdoor use. Under Bill 16-1005, the collection of rainwater from a catchment system in 2016 is made possible by residents in two tanks, a combined capacity of 110 gallons, on their rooftops. The rain collected is used on the premises where it is collected.
Delaware
Rainwater harvesting is not restricted in Delaware. It supports the reward programs for rainwater. The State of Delaware has no laws prohibiting rainwater collection but sponsors incentives to promote it. No current regulations exist in Delaware against or for the harvest of rainwater. For the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, pioneer water tanks exceed all water storage request requirements.
Florida
Florida has no limits on the harvest of rainwater and is strongly supported by the government. Various urban governments promote the harvest of rainwater through tax incentives and discount programs. In Florida, several local municipalities, including Manatee County, are encouraged to collect rainwater, with the provision of tax and rebate programs.
Georgia
Rainwater collection is for external use only and is rigorously supervised in the Environmental Protection Division by the province of natural resources in Georgia. Rainwater harvesting in Georgia is legal but is closely regulated by the Ministry for Natural Resources in the Environmental Protection Division. Their code says that rainwater can only be harvested outside when it is used.
Hawaii
Rainwater collection is not limited and is strongly encouraged in this state. Hawaii has no restrictions on the production of rainwater as under Senate Resolution 172, and it encourages county water boards to study and promote the collection of rainwater supervised by the Department of Hygiene and Safety. Moreover, it is the only state in the USA in which the highest precipitation occurs.
Idaho
Idaho is located in Washington and Oregon in the rain shadow of the mountain in the west, and only the higher elevations are precipitated adequately. The Snake River Plateau, the driest part of the state, receives less than 10 inches (250 mm) of precipitation each year. Therefore, the collection of rainwater in Idaho is highly encouraged, and there are currently no regulatory provisions governing the state. Idaho University published a pamphlet on the harvesting of rainwater in Idaho. For Idaho Water Resource Board, Pioneer Water Tanks exceed all water storage requirements.
Illinois
The collection of Rainwater in Illinois is extremely controlled. Act SB0038 stipulates that captured rainwater should be used only for non-potable applications and that rainwater collection systems must comply with the Illinois Plumbing-Rainwater Systems. Rainwater collection is legal in Illinois, but it has two main laws. In 120 days, the association will be required to adopt a declaration on energy policy. Authorizing the systems’ location, design, and architectural requirement is determined as applicable for wind, rainwater, or composting systems.
Indiana
There are no rainwater collection limits, or laws and the state is strongly urged to do so. The collection of rainwater in Indiana is legal. The state government promotes rainwater collection and even has useful information on their website about rain barrels to collect rainwater.
Iowa
The rainwater harvest is subject to no limits or laws. There are no rainwater collection regulations in Iowa. Information about stormwater is provided on their websites by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The average annual precipitation in Northwest Iowa is less than 26 centimeters (660 mm) to 38 centimeters (960 mm) in the Southwest. The rapid snowmelt and heavy summer rainstorms have caused Iowa to experience severe floods.
Kentucky
There are no limits or laws on the harvest of rainwater. There are no rainwater collection restrictions in Kentucky. The average annual precipitation in the southern area ranges from approximately 42″ north to approximately 52″ south. So, rainwater harvesting is highly encouraged in the state, Kentucky.
Kansas
Rainwater collection is legalistic, and no license for household purposes for watering livestock on pasture or in ponds and gardens is required. The collection of water is not necessary. Similar to Alaska, you need water rights to collect water in Kansas. The Kansas Water Appropriate Act safeguards the rights of people within the state to use land and surface water. It is illegal to collect rainwater if you do not apply for a right or have one with your property. Your household, animal, and up to two hectares of plows and gardens should be well to collect water for domestic use.
Louisiana
Rainwater collecting is legal, but state laws prescribe covers for large collection tanks (cisterns). Don’t worry. Just make sure that the barrel of rain (also called a cistern) is adequately covered. The Louisiana legislation prohibits the sale of ice-including polluted water.
Maine
The rainwater harvest is subject to no limits or laws in the Maine state of the US. No rainwater harvesting regulations exist in Maine State. Moreover, Some towns, like Portland, pay stormwater fees for improved city stormwater systems.
Minnesota
Minnesota, an interagency effort is currently underway to promote safe and sustainable reuse. A group of government agencies and stakeholders is involved in the Clean Water Fund Water Reuse project, which works to clarify the regulatory path for water reuse and evaluate resources needed to implement water reuse successfully. Capturing and utilizing systems for storm and rainwater can improve or maintain hydrology, reduce pollutant charge to water reception, improve water conservation, reduce stress on existing infrastructure, and reduce energy consumption.
Maryland
The rainwater harvest is subject to no limits or laws in Maryland. All districts have rainwater collection incentives. The collection of rainwater in Maryland is legal. Groundwater pollution from rainwater is the biggest concern. There was a statute that has since been repealed regarding a stormwater runoff tax. There are incentives to harvest rainwater in some places in Maryland.
Massachusetts
The rainwater harvested is legitimate and promoted in Massachusetts. The State of Massachusetts is legally responsible for harvesting rainwater. Outdoor tasks like watering ponds and gardens generally account for approximately 40% of domestic water consumption in the summer months. It makes sense to use rainwater for external purposes instead of municipal water with seasonal droughts, restrictions, and bans on water treating the plows and increasing water costs. Rain barrels are an excellent way of preserving water and of reducing the runoff of stormwater. For household tasks in Massachusetts, use the collected water.
Michigan
The harvesting and encouragement of Michigan Rainwater are legal. Michigan’s harvest and promotion Water is legal for rainwater. In the State of Michigan, the Cost-Effective Governmental Energy Use Act provides that rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged and other cost-effective methods. The average year-on-year precipitation in Michigan is 31″ (787.4mm), with a growth rate of 60 percent. The main source of summer rainfall is thunderstorms, while the winter is light and steady.
Mississippi
The average annual rainfall across the country is approximately 56 cm from 50 centimeters to around 65 centimeters offshore. Mississippi is one of the wettest states. Thanks to the average annual precipitation of 56″ (1422.4 mm) of Mississippi. The north and west states are precipitated in winter, and the coast has maximum summer precipitation. It is therefore not illegal and is strongly encouraged to collect rainwater in Mississippi.
Missouri
The Missouri Collection Welcome and Highly encouraged rainwater harvesting in its state. Rainwater is not necessarily a solution to all future water problems, but it is a virtually untapped resource in southwest Missouri. The average precipitation in the region is around 43 centimeters per year, equivalent to a million gallons per acre per year. This amounts to some 25,000 gallons per year for rainwater production on a surface of 1.000 square feet per year.
Montana
The harvest of Montana Rainwater is legal and promoted. The Montana state promotes safe rainwater use. Montana averages 15″ (381 mm) annual precipitation with significant variations in the west and the east because the high mountain ranges create the region with the rain shade to the east. The windy sides have a rainfall of 30′ (762mm), while most slopes are not often above 10′ (254mm).
Nevada
Nevada NB74 allows rainwater for planted utilization or the avoidance of drainage by a water right allowance. The NB74, which enables the collection of rainwater under the Water Rights, was passed in June 2017. Water rights shall be used, or the risk shall be revoked for its intended purpose. Assembly Bill 198 states to consider alternate water supplies, including rainwater production, through the Legislative Committee on State Territories.
New Hampshire
The collection of rainwater is legal and promoted in New Hampshire. The annual average state rainfall is 44.2 cm. In the south and along the state’s eastern borders, higher precipitation amounts occur, and in the west and north Hampshire.
New Jersey
The collection of rainwater is legal. The Department for Environmental Protection includes Assembly Bill 2442 to create a reward reimbursement program of collection, control, and conservation to landowners using techniques that are eligible for their lands. In New Jersey, the collection of rainwater is legal. Assembly Bill 2442 requires a Capture, Control, and Conservation Reward Recovery Program established by the Departments of Environmental Protection that uses water conservation funds to provide discounts for landowners who use, control, and preserve the property’s eligible water collection techniques.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, many State Universities legally allow Rainwater and support it. Rainwater is legal and is promoted by a large number of universities in Nebraska. Nebraska has an average rainfall of 80 days a year. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail dropping to the ground is precipitation. You have to measure at least 0,01 inches on the ground to calculate precipitation.
New Mexico
The New Mexico Collection is completely legal to have Rainwater. Most owners can install and use a rainwater system to irrigate the landscape without public health concerns or concerns about water rights. It is a high-grade idea to verify with the local OSE Water Rights Division in large-format commercial projects to ensure that the project does not inadequately affect the runoff of rainwater into a stream system and affect public water supply.
North Dakota
North Dakota is the legal source of rainwater. One common misunderstanding is that North Dakota is always cold. It surprises many that North Dakota has a remarkably long season, even in June with beautiful sunny days. But it is one of the most sterile states in the United States, with an average annual rainfall of 17 centimeters.
New York City
Rainwater irrigation is legal in New York. NYC has an annual rainfall of 114 cm on average and 914 million cubic meters. The average is 45 inches. As in all other situations, we are only a little above average in our annual rainfall rates. In New York, the rain falls for 169 days throughout the year and collects precipitation of up to 36.65″ [931mm].
North Carolina
The collection of rainwater is legal and controlled by two rules. Assembly Bill 608 provides that it shall provide state support to ensure optimal water reuse and harvesting activities in the Department of Environment and Natural Resource. The value of rainwater irrigation for the state’s potential water supplies is recognized under Senate Bill 163. State-wide support for water efficiencies and good conservation management practices, such as water reuse and rainwater harvest, are justified.
Oklahoma
Here the collection of rainwater is legal. The Water for 2060 Act provides for funding for programs to save water, including rainwater harvesting efforts. The Water for 2060 Act under House Bill 3055 initiates water conservation projects for other state communities as models. Water for 2060 is the model for this project. These projects include demonstration projects on community conservation, water recycling and reuse, and information campaigns on rainwater harvesting.
Ohio
Rainwater may accumulate in Ohio for drinking and non-potable purposes to provide drinking water for less than twenty-five people. Rainwater collection is only permitted for use in Ohio for drinking purposes. The Ohio Health Department regulates private water systems for less than 25 people that supply drinking water.
Oregon
The rainwater collection is legal, but rainwater can only be collected through structures on the roof in Oregon. Rainwater in Oregon is legal to collect. However, if you plan to use public water, you must have a water permit unless the general public has the same access.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Rainwater is legitimate in its collection and incentive. The annual rainfall averages around 40 inches throughout most of Pennsylvania. It can be as few as 30 inches during drought, while excessive moisture can produce 50 inches or more precipitation. The average figure should be used for most planning applications. A cistern design based on the lowest figure would nevertheless guarantee sufficient storage for even the driest years.
Rhode Island
The collection of rainwater is lawful, and the benefits for the harvest are offered to people. Assembly Bill 7070 provides a 10 percent tax refund to people or companies who build a cistern. Those who participate will be credited with a tax credit of 10 percent of the cost of installing the pond. A cistern is defined as a container that holds 50 or more gallons, above or under the ground, of diverted rainwater or snow.
South Carolina
South Carolina Rainwater irrigation is legal and promoted. Although rainfall abounds all year round in almost the country’s whole, it is usually a slightly weathered summer, while inland March is usually the wettest month. The most common cause of precipitation during the cold season is cyclones, while during the summer, the main causes of rainfall include tropical cyclones and afternoon heat thunderstorms.
South Dakota
South Dakota Rainwater is legally harvested. The people of the republic own the Water in South Dakota, not private people. Under State law, the right to use water can be acquired. A system commonly called the “Prior appropriation doctrine” administers water rights in South Dakota. Water uses established in the past or is being developed since March 2, 1955 (surface water) or February 28, 1955 (surface waters).
Texas
Rainwater collection in Texas is legal under some rules. Assembly Bill 3391 says that the collection scheme has to be integrated into the building’s architecture and that the municipality has to be notified in writing. Rainwater is legally collected in Texas. House Bill 3391 contains several provisions to note; for example, a collection system should be included in the building’s design, and written notification should be given to the municipality.
Tennessee
The adoption of Senate Bill 2417 and Assembly Bill 1850 permits green infrastructure to harvest rainwater legally. The harvest of rainwater in Tennessee is legal. SB 2417/HB 1850 (Enacted) permits green infrastructure practices that cover precipitation systems.
Utah
The property of the collector is authorized with rainwater harvested. Additional provisions for whether a person is registered with the Water Resources Division are provided for Bill 32 of the Senate. No more than 2500 gallons of rainwater may be stored in a licensed person, and not less than two tanks per container may be used in 100 gallons. The State of Utah permits direct collection of rainwater on land which the collector owns or leases.
Virginia
Income tax credit to people who build rainwater collection systems is granted under the Virginia Senate Bill 1416. In collaboration with the Branch of Environmental Quality, the State Department is committed to promoting rainwater use in a way that helps to minimize freshwater use.
Vermont
The Vermont Rainwater collection is legitimate. There are currently no detailed statistics on the Vermont State Government website that promote the harvest and storage of rainwater. The harvest of rainwater is legal for individual owners. Like all governments in Vermont, the Watershed Management Division for the state has rules, regulations, and legislation on water rights.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Rainwater collection is legally permitted and has an average of 188 sunny days a year. The average American day is 205 sunny. Wisconsin receives some precipitation, 113 days per year on average. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail dropping to the ground is precipitated. You have to measure at least 0.01 inches on the ground to calculate precipitation. So, rainwater harvesting is highly encouraged over there.
Wyoming
Rainwater collection is permitted in Wyoming. The normal precipitation period in the nation is Late Spring and early summer – Wyoming is dry with an average precipitation of 10 “Sparse precipitation occurs between 8 “(203.2 mm) and 10″ (254 mm) on the low land, while averages above 15″ (381 mm) and 20” (254 mm) on the highland (508mm). Snowfall reaches 200 in the mountains. In the winter, the plains (5080mm) also accumulate large amounts of precipitation.
Washington
Washington does not need to obtain water from the rooftops any longer, but it still has quite strict regulations. Some areas of Washington are more stringent than others, so checking with your particular county is better. For now, if rainwater on the property is used and collected from existing structures for purposes other than rainwater collection, you do not need a permit for the collection of rainwater. Ensure that local regulations do not limit the collection of rainwater.
West Virginia
West Virginia is legally permitted to collect Rainwater. The Alternative Water Supply Assistance Fund was created in Senate Bill 1416 (2001), providing income tax loans for those who implement a rainwater harvesting system. Virginia also calls for the development and conservation of guidelines for rainwater collections to reduce demand on water supply systems.
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Legal |
| Alaska | Legal |
| Arizona | Legal |
| Arkansas | Legal (with restrictions) |
| California | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Colorado | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Connecticut | Encouraged |
| Delaware | Encouraged |
| Florida | Encouraged |
| Georgia | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Hawaii | Encouraged |
| Idaho | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Illinois | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Indiana | Encouraged |
| Iowa | Legal |
| Kansas | Legal |
| Kentucky | Legal |
| Louisiana | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Maine | Legal |
| Maryland | Encouraged |
| Massachusetts | Encouraged |
| Michigan | Encouraged |
| Minnesota | Encouraged |
| Mississippi | Legal |
| Missouri | Encouraged |
| Montana | Encouraged |
| Nebraska | Encouraged |
| Nevada | Legal (with restrictions) |
| New Hampshire | Encouraged |
| New Jersey | Legal |
| New Mexico | Encouraged |
| New York | Encouraged |
| North Carolina | Legal (with restrictions) |
| North Dakota | Encouraged |
| Ohio | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Oklahoma | Legal |
| Oregon | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Pennsylvania | Encouraged |
| Rhode Island | Encouraged |
| South Carolina | Encouraged |
| South Dakota | Legal |
| Tennessee | Legal |
| Texas | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Utah | Legal (with restrictions) |
| Vermont | Legal |
| Virginia | Encouraged |
| Washington | Legal |
| West Virginia | Legal |
| Wisconsin | Legal |
| Wyoming | Legal |
Conclusion!
These limitations believe that harvesting will interrupt the normal cycle of rain back into rivers and water bodies on Earth. In accordance with a study by the Scientific World Journal, the rainwater obtained by homes would have little or none for the hydrological cycle, particularly since the householders would use this water for their courtyard or gardens to get it back to the Earth.
There are limits in Western states because old water laws claim that the original water rights owners own all precipitation. These statutes became known as the ‘first-come, first-served, or ‘reappropriation legislation by the Old West’s settlers.
