State Rainwater Harvesting Laws and Legislation

Colorado Rainwater Harvesting
State Rainwater Harvesting Laws and Programs

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NCSL Energy and Environment Legislation Tracking Database

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Catching rain water Record droughts and water-supply worries serve as catalysts for state legislatures to consider legislation legalizing the catchment and use of rainwater for use in households and for lawns. There is increased interest in recent years in legislation allowing, defining, and clarifying when rainwater harvesting may occur. Rainwater harvesting is the act of utilizing a collection system to use rainwater for outdoor uses, plumbing, and, in some cases, consumption.

In some states, especially those out West, previous water law stated all precipitation belonged to existing water-rights owners, and rain needed to flow to join its rightful water drainage. In other states, legislators must ensure water-quality standards and public health concerns are met when considering rainwater harvesting legislation.

Texas and Ohio are among states devoting a considerable amount of attention to this issue, and enacted numerous laws regulating the practice of rainwater harvesting. Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia offer tax credits or exemptions on the purchase of rainwater harvesting equipment. Both Texas and Ohio allow the practice for potable purposes, which is frequently excluded from other states’ laws and regulations. Oklahoma passed the Water for 2060 Act in 2012, to promote pilot projects for rainwater and graywater use among other water saving techniques.

Colorado Rainwater Harvesting

In Colorado, water must be alloted according to the prior appropriation system. This is a common system in the West where water resources are scarce, and is often referred to as “first in time, first in right”. Under the doctrine of prior appropriation, individuals have the right to put water to a beneficial use based on priority of the user. The use of a water source by a person out of priority may carry penalties.

The collection of rainwater for beneficial use has been recognized as a potential injury to senior water rights in the past, and, therefore, was historically prohibited in Colorado. However, a 2007 study conducted by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, nearby districts, and Douglas County determine d only three percent of rain actually reached a stream or the ground. Colorado followed-up by enacting two pieces of legislation, one allowing certain types of well owners to use rainwater and one authorizing pilot development projects.

Under a new Colorado law, House Bill 1005 (2016), residential homeowners are now able to use two rain barrels, with a combined capacity of 110 gallons, to capture precipitation from their rooftops. The collected precipitation is required to be used on the property where it is collected and may only be applied to outdoor purposes such as lawn irrigation and gardening. The law guarantees collection of precipitation from rain barrels does not interfere with existing water rights and that the use of a rain barrel does not constitute a water right. The state engineer is required to track adoption and usage among homeowners. The House attempted to introduce a similar bill in 2015, but the bill did not pass through the Senate Agriculture Committee.

For updates on pending legislation and past years, please see the NCSL Energy and Environment Legislation Tracking Database

State Rainwater Harvesting Laws and Programs

Arizona

House Bill 2363 (2012) established a joint legislative study committee on macro-harvested water. The committee shall study, analyze and evaluate issues arising from the collection and recovery of macro-harvested water, including reviewing scientific data on surface water, rainwater harvesting, methodology costs and benefits, potential impacts on water rights, downstream users, and potential aquifer management issues and groundwater management issues.

House Bill 2830 (2012) allows the governing body of a city or town to establish an energy and water savings account that consists of a designated pool of capital investment monies to fund energy or water savings projects in public facilities, including rainwater harvesting systems (Arizona Revised Statutes §9-499.16).

Arkansas

Arkansas Code Annotated § 17-38-201 (2014) declares that the State Board of Health “shall allow the use of a harvested rainwater system used for a nonpotable purpose if the harvested rainwater system is: (1) designed by a professional engineer licensed in Arkansas; (2) is designed with appropriate cross-connection safeguards; and (3) complies with Arkansas Plumbing Code.”

California

Assembly Bill 1750 (2012) enacted the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. The bill authorizes residential, commercial and governmental landowners to install, maintain, and operate rain barrel systems and rainwater capture systems for specified purposes, provided that the systems comply with specified requirements. A landscape contractor working within the classification of his or her license would be authorized enter into a prime contract for the construction of a rainwater capture system if the system is used exclusively for landscape irrigation.

Colorado

In 2009, two laws were passed that loosened restrictions. Senate Bill 80 (2009) allowed residential property owners who rely on certain types of wells to collect and use rainwater (Colorado Revised Statutes §37-90-105). House Bill 1129 (2009) authorized ten pilot projects where captured precipitation was used in new real estate developments for non-potable uses (Colorado Revised Statutes §37-60-115).

House Bill 1016 (2015) updates criteria and guidelines for rainwater harvesting pilot projects with the goal of incentivizing applicants, and applies lessons learned from previous pilot projects.

House Bill 16-1005 (2016) allows residential homeowners to use two rain barrels, with a combined capacity of 110 gallons, to capture preciptation from their rooftops. The collected precipitation is required to be used on the property where it is collected, and may only be applied to outdoor purposes such as lawn irrigation and gardening.

Additional Resources: Colorado Water Conservation Board Criteria and Guidelines for Pilot Projects (2010)

Hawaii

Senate Concurrent Resolution 172 (2008) encouraged county water boards to study and promote water conservation through rainwater collection. According to this resolution, there has been a long history of rainwater collection in the state but primarily in more rural areas in the past.

Illinois

In 2009, Illinois created the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act which relates to water conservation, efficiency, infrastructure and management while promoting rainwater harvesting (Illinois Revised Statutes Chapter 415 §56).

House Bill 991 (2011) amended the Homeowners' Solar Rights Act. It requires that within 120 days after a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association receives a request for a policy statement or an application from an association member, the association shall adopt an energy policy statement regarding: (i) the location, design, and architectural requirements of solar energy systems; and (ii) whether a wind energy collection, rain water collection, or composting system is allowed, and, if so, the location, design, and architectural requirements of those systems (Illinois Revised Statutes Chapter 765 § 165/20).

Nevada

Assembly Bill 198 (2015) requires the Legislative Committee on Public Lands to conduct a study on water conservation and alternative sources of water for communities in the State. The study includes a comprehensive review of alternative sources of water, including capturing rainwater amongst other things.

North Carolina

House Bill 609 (2011) directs the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide statewide outreach and technical assistance regarding water efficiency, which includes the development of best management practices for community water efficiency and conservation. Best management practices include water reuse, including harvesting rainwater and using grey water (North Carolina General Statutes § Session Law 143-355).

North Carolina also passed Senate Bill 163 (2014), which recognizes the beneficial uses of reclaimed water, including rainwater, for the future water supply of the state.

Ohio
Ohio allows rainwater harvesting, even for potable purposes. Private water systems that provide drinking water to fewer than twenty-five people are regulated by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). Ohio also has a Private Water Systems Advisory Council within the ODH. The nine member council is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate (Ohio Revised Code §3701.344; Ohio Revised Code §3701.346).

Oklahoma

House Bill 3055 (2012) created the Water for 2060 Act. The bill initiates grants for pilot projects, to serve as models for other communities in the state. Pilot projects may include, but are not limited to: community conservation demonstration projects, water use accounting programs, retrofit projects, school education projects, Xeriscape demonstration gardens, projects which promote efficiency, recycling and reuse of water, and information campaigns on capturing and using harvested rainwater and gray water.

Oregon

Rainwater harvesting is allowed in Oregon, but may only be done from roof surfaces. Oregon Revised Statute §455.060 allows for alternate methods of construction of rainwater harvesting systems. The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) has approved the use of rainwater harvesting systems as an alternate method to the state plumbing code. It created methods for both potable and non-potable systems.

Senate Bill 79 (2009) directs the BCD to increase energy efficiency, by including rainwater harvesting, in new and repaired buildings.

Additional Resources: Oregon Smart Guide - Rainwater Harvesting

Rhode Island

House Bill 7070 (2012) created a tax credit for the installation of cisterns to collect rainwater. Any individual or business that installs a cistern on their property to collect rainwater for use in their home or business is entitled to a state income tax credit of 10 percent of the cost of installing the cistern not to exceed $1,000. Each entity is allowed only one tax credit over the life of the cistern unless they are replacing an existing cistern with a larger cistern and have not received the maximum tax credit of $1,000. A cistern is defined as a container holding fifty or more gallons of diverted rainwater or snow melt, either above or below ground (Rhode Island General Laws § 44-30-28).

Texas

House Bill 3391 (2011) is one of the most far-reaching and comprehensive pieces of legislation regarding rainwater harvesting in recent years. Among its provisions:

Financial institutions may consider making loans for developments that will use harvested rainwater as the sole source of water supply.
Rainwater harvesting system technology for potable and non-potable indoor use and landscape watering is required to be incorporated into the design and construction of each new state building with a roof measuring at least 50,000 square feet that is located in an area of the state in which the average annual rainfall is at least 20 inches.
Rules regarding the installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems that are used for indoor potable purposes and connected to a public water supply system are required to be developed, prior to this bill it could only be used for non-potable purposes. The rules must include criteria to ensure that safe drinking water standards are met and the water does not come in contact with the public water supply at a location off of the property.
A person who intends to connect a rainwater harvesting system to a public water supply system for potable purposes is required to give written notice to the municipality or the owner or operator of the public water supply system. A municipality or public water supply system may not be held liable for any adverse health effects allegedly caused by the consumption of water collected by a rainwater harvesting system that is connected to a public water supply system and is used for potable purposes if the municipality or the public water supply system is in compliance with the sanitary standards for drinking water.
Each municipality and county is encouraged to promote rainwater harvesting at residential, commercial, and industrial facilities through incentives such as the provision at a discount of rain barrels or rebates for water storage facilities. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is required to ensure that training on rainwater harvesting is available for the members of the permitting staffs of municipalities and counties at least quarterly. School districts are strongly encouraged to implement rainwater harvesting systems.
A municipality or county is prohibited from denying a building permit solely because the facility will implement rainwater harvesting.

Utah

Utah allows for the direct capture and storage of rainwater on land owned or leased by the person responsible for the collection. According to Senate Bill 32 (2010), a person registered with the Division of Water Resources may collect and store no more than 2,500 gallons of rainwater. If unregistered, no more than two containers may be used, and the maximum storage capacity of any one container shall not be greater than 100 gallons (Utah Code Annotated §73-3-1.5).

Virginia

Senate Bill 1416 (2001) establishing the Alternative Water Supply Assistance Fund, providing income tax credit to individuals and corporations installing rainwater harvesting systems. However, money has not been allocated for these purposes.

Virginia also requires the development of rainwater harvesting and graywater guidelines to ease demands on public treatment works and water supply systems and promote conservation (Virginia Code Annotated § 32.1-248.2).

Additional Resources: Virginia Rainwater Harvesting and Use Guidelines

Washington

Washington allows counties to reduce rates for storm water control facilities that utilize rainwater harvesting. Rates may be reduced by a minimum of 10 percent for any new or remodeled commercial building. However, the rate can be reduced more than 10 percent, depending on the county. Kitsap County’s Ordinance reduces surface and stormwater fees by 50 percent (Washington Revised Code §36.89.080).

Uses for harvested rainwater may include water closets, urinals, hose bibbs, industrial applications, and for irrigation purposes. Other uses may be allowed after approval by the authority with jurisdiction (Washington Revised Code §51-56-1623).

In 2009, the DEQ issued an Interpretive Policy Statement clarifying a water right is not required for rooftop rainwater harvesting.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Since 1964, the U.S. Virgin Islands requires most buildings to be constructed with a self-sustaining potable water system, such as a well or rainwater collection system (U.S. Virgin Island Code Title 29 §308).

Notable 2016 Legislation
State	Bill	Summary
California	AB 2040 (Failed)	Amends the Revenue and Taxation Code to allow for tax credits (equal to 25% of amount paid or incurred) for water-efficiency improvements including a rain barrel or an alternative collection system as part of a water-efficient landscape.
California	AB 2525 (Failed)	Requires the Department of Water Resources to create the California Water Efficient Landscaping Program. Includes a residential turf rebate program, a jobs program and public education as part of the new program. Creates the Water Efficiency Landscaping Fund with money made available to the program through appropriations.
Colorado	HB 1005 (Enacted)	Allows the use of rain barrels to collect precipitation from residential rooftops for nonpotable outdoor use. Permits no more than two rain barrels with a combined storage capacity of 110 gallons or less. Defines rain barrel as “a storage container with a sealable lid that is: a) located aboveground outside of a residential home; and b) used for collecting precipitation from a downspout of a rooftop.” Requires the State Engineer to provide information on the permitted use of rain barrels to collect participation from residential rooftops, including the limitations set forth in these provisions.
Hawaii	HB 2042 (Failed)	Establishes a water conservation rebate program. Includes rain barrels or cisterns in the definition of water conservation systems.
Illinois	HB 4659 (Pending)	Amends the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Act and provides that the District may establish a Residential Cost Share Program. Cisterns and residential rain gardens are included as part of the Program.
New Jersey	AB 2442 / SB 1037 (Pending)	Establishes the Capture, Control, and Conserve Reward Rebate Program in the Department of Environmental Protection to “encourage property owners to implement various approved techniques to help conserve water and control the quantity and quality of storm water runoff from their individual properties.” Includes rain gardens, rain barrels and cisterns as eligible techniques.
New York	AB 9890 (Pending)	Amends the tax law to add a tax credit (up to 50 percent of the construction cost, not exceeding $5,000) for homeowners and businesses who invest in green infrastructure. Includes rainwater harvesting, raingardens, permeable pavements and green roofs as possible green infrastructure investments.
Tennessee	SB 2417 / HB 1850 (Enacted)	Authorizes the use of green infrastructure practices within areas that have combined sanitary sewage and storm water systems. Expands the definition of sewage system to include green infrastructure practices such as rain gardens and cisterns.

Notable 2015 Legislation
State	Bill	Summary
California	AB 725 (Pending – Carryover)	Required the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt a policy to address the potential for a storm-induced overflow from an impoundment in which recycled water is stored for subsequent beneficial use or aesthetic purposes.
Colorado	HB 1259 (Failed – Adjourned)	Allows for the use of rain barrels to collect precipitation from a residential rooftop for nonpotable outdoor uses.
New Mexico	SB 280 (Failed – Adjourned)	Reintroduces Water Harvesting Tax Income to incentivize individuals and businesses to collect rainwater for future uses. Income tax credit will not exceed $5,000.
Texas	HB 74 (Failed – Adjourned)	Creates a Model Water Recycling Project to study potential of capturing and recycling runoff.
Texas	SB 1419 (Failed – Adjourned)	Exempts property owners from licensing requirements for the installation, service or repair of plumbing associated with rainwater harvesting, storage, distribution, use or treatment.
Texas	TX HB 3837 (Failed – Adjourned)	Relates to the licensing and regulations of rainwater harvesting in the state.

Notable 2014 Legislation
State	Bill	Summary
Hawaii	HB 111/SB 361 (Failed – Adjourned)	Creates the Sustainable Research Living Act aimed at researching sustainable living methods including water harvesting techniques.
New Jersey	AB 1738 (Pending)	Establishes Capture, Control, and Conserve Reward Rebate Program. This bill would establish several incentives for installation and operation of a rainwater capture system and prohibiting any fees or taxation related to the purchase, installation and use of these systems.
New Mexico	SB 16 (Failed – Adjourned)	Establishes the Water Harvesting Income Tax Credits to incentivize individuals and businesses to collect rainwater for future uses. Income tax credit will not exceed $5,000.