What You Can and Can't Do with Collected Rainwater

What You Can and Can't Do with Collected Rainwater

With climate change and frequent droughts, more people are collecting rainwater for personal use. While it's an eco-friendly and cost-saving practice, there are important restrictions to consider.

In areas where water is scarce, collecting rainwater can offer an eco friendly and cost effective solution to rising water costs. It's easy to collect with gutters and storage tanks, reducing your reliance on mains water supplies for various household uses. However, not everything is permitted, there are regulations in place to ensure rainwater is collected and used safely. 

To comply with guidelines, your setup should include:

  • A storage tank or barrel, appropriately sized for your collection surface and intended use.
  • A filtration system to remove debris and impurities, requiring regular maintenance.
  • A distribution system to safely deliver water without contaminating drinking supplies.

Rainwater can be used indoors for non potable purposes like flushing toilets, washing clothes, and cleaning floors. However, specialized equipment and sometimes local approval are required to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Systems must also prevent contamination of public water supplies.

Outdoor use of rainwater is generally unrestricted and ideal for watering gardens, washing vehicles, and filling ponds. These applications don't pose a risk to municipal water systems, making them the easiest and most flexible use of collected rainwater.

Drinking untreated rainwater is generally unsafe due to potential contaminants like pesticides, bird droppings, and hydrocarbons from rooftops. While advanced filtration systems can make it potable, they are expensive and rarely used in residential settings. For most households, rainwater is best reserved for non drinking purposes.

Depending on where you live, there are specific rainwater collection laws. Some states like Texas and Arizona encourage rainwater collection and offer incentives, such as rebates or tax credits. Others, like Colorado, impose restrictions to help protect natural waterways. Before setting up a rain collection system, check your local regulations. 

Rainwater collection is an effective way to conserve water, reduce utility bills, and promote sustainability. However, check your system complies with local regulations and is properly maintained to avoid penalties.