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Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
#8852629
05/15/23 12:29 AM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,585
hetman
OP
"Trash Master"
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OP
"Trash Master"
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,585 |
(KRQE/NEXSTAR) — It may seem like the most natural thing to do, even a great use of rain water: collecting it. But did you know it could be illegal to do it in your state?
While collecting rainwater is not federally illegal, many states have restrictions in place, and water laws are primarily handled on the state level. Alternatively, some states even offer incentives for those who collect rainwater.
States that have some level of rainwater collection restrictions include: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Kansas and North Dakota may require a permit to harvest rainwater. In all states not listed above, it is legal to collect rainwater.
The World Water Reserve published a full state-by-state guide to explain which states are and aren’t allowed to harvest rainwater. The U.S. Department of Energy also has an interactive Rainwater Harvesting Regulations map to help residents figure out if it’s OK to fill up a barrel or a bucket.
Why do some states restrict water collection?
Since water availability varies greatly throughout the U.S., each state needs to adjust its water use practices based on its climate. According to WWR, most states follow the reasonable use doctrine to determine restricts; the doctrine states that “anyone who has a right to the water can reasonably use it for their own benefit as long as it doesn’t restrict the rights of others to use it as well.”
The main reason some states restrict collection is that too much rainwater harvesting can disrupt the cycle of rainfall seeping back into the earth. It is recommended to check your state’s laws regarding water use for further details.
"Lesser mortals are pitied for the misfortune in not being born Texan."
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852630
05/15/23 12:32 AM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,585
hetman
OP
"Trash Master"
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OP
"Trash Master"
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,585 |
"Lesser mortals are pitied for the misfortune in not being born Texan."
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852641
05/15/23 12:47 AM
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,110
DukeCigars
Pro Tracker
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Usually up to county. Most cities in Texas say no, but fort bend county (unincorporated) encourages it to keep from over using the water supply
Car guy. Serial entrepreneur. Terrible golfer.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852663
05/15/23 01:21 AM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,388
Dave Davidson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,388 |
How do you raise livestock without a dammed up gully as a catch basin?
Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852666
05/15/23 01:27 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,257
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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H.B. No. 645
Prohibits restrictions on residents capturing rain water.
Sec. 580.004. RAINWATER HARVESTING. (a) 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.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852675
05/15/23 01:39 AM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 570
Papalote
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 570 |
Rainwater harvesting equipment can be Texas sales tax exempt if you present the proper form to the seller.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852679
05/15/23 01:44 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,283
Texas Dan
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The main reason some states restrict collection is that too much rainwater harvesting can disrupt the cycle of rainfall seeping back into the earth. It is recommended to check your state’s laws regarding water use for further details. This falls in line with "Groundwater Conservation Districts" now operating in Texas that charge fees for water that is pumped from the ground. In addition to the premise they help protect supply of the resource, they use the reduction of soil subsidence as further reason for collecting their fees.
Last edited by Texas Dan; 05/15/23 01:45 AM.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852682
05/15/23 01:50 AM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,388
Dave Davidson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,388 |
I contacted the County soil conservation people for assistance on site location for a pond. They knew things that I didn’t but I don’t recall a permit 30 years ago.
I generally find that I do best without help or advise from any level of government.
Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: Dave Davidson]
#8852692
05/15/23 02:10 AM
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,110
DukeCigars
Pro Tracker
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I generally find that I do best without help or advise from any level of government.
Yup!!
Car guy. Serial entrepreneur. Terrible golfer.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852729
05/15/23 09:03 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,466
RedRanger
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,466 |
TCEQ was trying to force rain water harvesting down the public throats about a decade ago
Finally it looks like they have stopped in the last 5 years.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: J.G.]
#8852746
05/15/23 11:44 AM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,803
Paluxy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 12,803 |
H.B. No. 645
Prohibits restrictions on residents capturing rain water.
Sec. 580.004. RAINWATER HARVESTING. (a) 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.
Yeah, I'm confused as to why Texas was on that list? Media click bait?
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852751
05/15/23 12:03 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,212
kry226
The General
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The General
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,212 |
The main reason some states restrict collection is that too much rainwater harvesting can disrupt the cycle of rainfall seeping back into the earth. It is recommended to check your state’s laws regarding water use for further details. I have a hard time believing collection could be extensive enough to disrupt that cycle. Just another permit or tax grab.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852755
05/15/23 12:45 PM
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Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,529
Nolanco
Pro Tracker
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Local Master Gardeners will have a clinic on rainwater harvesting this month. City of Tucson, AZ, pays residents to harvest rainwater.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852760
05/15/23 12:55 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,972
Dry Fire
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,972 |
When I worked in Milwaukee, the rain gutters from your home were not allowed to empty into your yard. They drained into a french drain type system emptied into the street drains.
coffee spelled backwards is eeffoc. I don't give eeffoc until I have my morning coffee.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852761
05/15/23 12:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,250
QMC SW/EXW
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Why do some states restrict water collection?
In the case of CO it comes down to the agreements on water useage that was passed in the 1920s. CO is unique in that it is the only state in the lower 48 that has no rivers flowing into it. All the water flows out. Since many other states depend on that water flowing, including TX, CO is very limited on how they can impede that flow. Collecting rain water means it does not go to streams or the aquifier. CO has tried to get these laws modified since their population has grown but CA refuses to allow it and since they have the most members in congress they crush it every time it is brought up.
Retired Navy Chief NJROTC Instructor for Tascosa High School
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852934
05/15/23 08:07 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,721
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,721 |
I did know that many localities restrict collecting rainwater. I also know that it’s a prime example of government overreach.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: hetman]
#8852953
05/15/23 08:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,139
texasag93
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,139 |
Next they will tax the oxygen.
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Re: Is it legal to collect rainwater in your state?
[Re: texasag93]
#8853009
05/15/23 11:05 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 21,617
pegasaurus
THF Celebrity
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Posts: 21,617 |
Next they will tax the oxygen. Don’t hold your breath.
Funny thing about getting older: Your eyesight starts getting weaker but your ability to see through people's BS gets much better.
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