States Where It Is Illegal to Collect Rainwater

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Introduction

Rainwater harvesting is a practice that has been gaining popularity over the years. It involves collecting rainwater and using it for various purposes such as irrigation, household chores, and even drinking. However, not all states in the US allow this practice. In some states, there are restrictions on collecting rainwater – these states are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The restrictions may include the size of the rainwater harvesting system, the use of a licensed plumber, the need for a permit, or the prohibition of using rainwater for certain purposes.

On the other hand, other states have no restrictions or offer incentives for rainwater collection. States like Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia have no restrictions on rainwater collection. Some states like Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wyoming offer incentives for rainwater collection.

States by Rainwater Collection Restrictions

StateRainwater Collection LawsTotal Precipitation
AlabamaNo Restrictions1,656.1 mm
AlaskaNo Restrictions1,006.3 mm
ConnecticutNo Restrictions1,297.2 mm
DelawareNo Restrictions1,038.6 mm
IdahoNo Restrictions531.9 mm
IndianaNo Restrictions1,161.5 mm
IowaNo Restrictions790.4 mm
KentuckyNo Restrictions1,356.4 mm
LouisianaNo Restrictions1,688.8 mm
MaineNo Restrictions1,001.3 mm
MassachusettsNo Restrictions1,390.7 mm
MississippiNo Restrictions1,695.5 mm
MissouriNo Restrictions1,118.4 mm
MontanaNo Restrictions363.2 mm
NebraskaNo Restrictions575.3 mm
New HampshireNo Restrictions1,166.9 mm
New YorkNo Restrictions1,175.5 mm
OklahomaNo Restrictions855 mm
South CarolinaNo Restrictions1,205.7 mm
South DakotaNo Restrictions461.5 mm
TennesseeNo Restrictions1,497.1 mm
VermontNo Restrictions1,063.8 mm
West VirginiaNo Restrictions1,081.8 mm
ArizonaOffer Incentives319 mm
FloridaOffer Incentives1,406.1 mm
HawaiiOffer Incentives
KansasOffer Incentives692.2 mm
MarylandOffer Incentives1,056.1 mm
MichiganOffer Incentives835.9 mm
MinnesotaOffer Incentives601.2 mm
New JerseyOffer Incentives1,218.9 mm
New MexicoOffer Incentives314.2 mm
North CarolinaOffer Incentives1,209.3 mm
North DakotaOffer Incentives395.7 mm
OregonOffer Incentives723.9 mm
PennsylvaniaOffer Incentives1,171.4 mm
Rhode IslandOffer Incentives1,264.2 mm
TexasOffer Incentives732.3 mm
WyomingOffer Incentives365.5 mm
ArkansasRestrictions1,280.7 mm
CaliforniaRestrictions481.1 mm
ColoradoRestrictions434.3 mm
GeorgiaRestrictions1,446.8 mm
IllinoisRestrictions1,043.9 mm
NevadaRestrictions243.3 mm
OhioRestrictions1,058.2 mm
UtahRestrictions344.2 mm
VirginiaRestrictions1,037.8 mm
WashingtonRestrictions1,114.8 mm
WisconsinRestrictions760.2 mm

States Where It Is Illegal to Collect Rainwater

While it is not illegal to collect rainwater in the United States, some states impose restrictions on it. The states where collecting rainwater is restricted are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The reasons for the restrictions may vary by state, but some common reasons include concerns about the impact on downstream water users, concerns about the safety of the collected water, and concerns about the impact on the local ecosystem. For example, in Colorado, the restrictions are in place to protect the state’s water rights system, which is based on a “first in time, first in right” principle. In California, the restrictions are in place to protect endangered species that rely on water sources in the region. In Utah, the restrictions are in place to ensure that there is enough water available for downstream users and to protect water quality. Despite the restrictions, some of these states still allow rainwater collection for certain uses, such as landscaping or toilet flushing, with the appropriate permits and restrictions in place.

The states where collecting rainwater is restricted are:
1. Arkansas
2. California
3. Colorado
4. Georgia
5. Illinois
6. Nevada
7. Ohio
8. Utah
9. Virginia
10. Washington
11. Wisconsin

Rainwater Collection Laws by State

Alabama

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Rainwater Collection Laws

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No Restrictions

Total Precipitation

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1,656.1 mm

Ranked in the US

#3

Alabama has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Alaska

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No Restrictions

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1,006.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#28

Alaska also has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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Arizona

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Offer Incentives

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319 mm

Ranked in the US

#47

Arizona offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Arkansas

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Rainwater Collection Laws

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Restrictions

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1,280.7 mm

Ranked in the US

#10

Collecting rainwater in Arkansas is restricted in some areas due to concerns about the impact on downstream water users. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to downstream users, such as farmers and other water users who rely on surface water sources. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to protect water quality and ensure that water is available for future generations.

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California

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Restrictions

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481.1 mm

Ranked in the US

#40

In California, collecting rainwater is restricted in some areas to protect endangered species that rely on water sources in the region. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to these species, which are already under stress due to habitat loss and other factors. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to ensure that water is available for other uses, such as irrigation and municipal water supplies.

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Colorado

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Restrictions

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434.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#42

Collecting rainwater in Colorado is restricted to protect the state's water rights system, which is based on a "first in time, first in right" principle. This means that the first person to use a water source has the right to continue to use it, and others must obtain water rights to access the water. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to downstream water users who hold these water rights.

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Connecticut

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No Restrictions

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1,297.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#9

Connecticut has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Delaware

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No Restrictions

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1,038.6 mm

Ranked in the US

#26

Delaware has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Florida

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Rainwater Collection Laws

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Offer Incentives

Total Precipitation

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1,406.1 mm

Ranked in the US

#6

Florida offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Georgia

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Rainwater Collection Laws

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Restrictions

Total Precipitation

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1,446.8 mm

Ranked in the US

#5

Collecting rainwater in Georgia is restricted in some areas to ensure that water is available for downstream users and to protect water quality. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to downstream users, such as farmers and other water users who rely on surface water sources. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to ensure that water is available for other uses, such as municipal water supplies.

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Hawaii

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Rainwater Collection Laws

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Offer Incentives

Hawaii offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Idaho

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No Restrictions

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531.9 mm

Ranked in the US

#39

Idaho has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Illinois

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Rainwater Collection Laws

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Restrictions

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1,043.9 mm

Ranked in the US

#25

Collecting rainwater in Illinois is restricted in some areas to protect water quality and to ensure that water is available for future generations. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to other users, such as farmers and other water users who rely on surface water sources. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to protect the quality of water sources and to prevent contamination from pollutants and other sources.

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Indiana

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No Restrictions

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1,161.5 mm

Ranked in the US

#18

Indiana has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Iowa

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No Restrictions

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790.4 mm

Ranked in the US

#32

Iowa has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Kansas

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692.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#36

Kansas offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Kentucky

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No Restrictions

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1,356.4 mm

Ranked in the US

#8

Kentucky has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Louisiana

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No Restrictions

Total Precipitation

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1,688.8 mm

Ranked in the US

#2

Louisiana has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Maine

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No Restrictions

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1,001.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#29

Maine has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Maryland

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Offer Incentives

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1,056.1 mm

Ranked in the US

#24

Maryland offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Massachusetts

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No Restrictions

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1,390.7 mm

Ranked in the US

#7

Massachusetts has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Michigan

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Offer Incentives

Total Precipitation

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835.9 mm

Ranked in the US

#31

Michigan offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Minnesota

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Offer Incentives

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601.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#37

Minnesota offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Mississippi

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No Restrictions

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1,695.5 mm

Ranked in the US

#1

Mississippi has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Missouri

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No Restrictions

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1,118.4 mm

Ranked in the US

#19

Missouri has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Montana

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No Restrictions

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363.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#45

Montana has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Nebraska

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No Restrictions

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575.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#38

Nebraska has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Nevada

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Restrictions

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243.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#49

Collecting rainwater in Nevada is restricted in some areas to ensure that water is available for downstream users and to protect water quality. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to downstream users, such as farmers and other water users who rely on surface water sources. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to ensure that water is available for other uses, such as municipal water supplies.

Total Precipitation

New Hampshire

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No Restrictions

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1,166.9 mm

Ranked in the US

#17

New Hampshire has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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New Jersey

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1,218.9 mm

Ranked in the US

#12

New Jersey offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

New Mexico

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314.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#48

New Mexico offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

New York

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No Restrictions

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1,175.5 mm

Ranked in the US

#15

New York has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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North Carolina

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1,209.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#13

North Carolina offers incentives for rainwater collection.

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North Dakota

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395.7 mm

Ranked in the US

#43

North Dakota offers incentives for rainwater collection.

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Ohio

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Restrictions

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1,058.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#23

Collecting rainwater in Ohio is restricted in some areas to protect the quality of water sources and to prevent contamination from pollutants and other sources. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to other users, such as farmers and other water users who rely on surface water sources. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to ensure that water is available for future generations.

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Oklahoma

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No Restrictions

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855 mm

Ranked in the US

#30

Oklahoma has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Oregon

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Offer Incentives

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723.9 mm

Ranked in the US

#35

Oregon offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Pennsylvania

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1,171.4 mm

Ranked in the US

#16

Pennsylvania offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Rhode Island

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1,264.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#11

Rhode Island offers incentives for rainwater collection.

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South Carolina

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No Restrictions

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1,205.7 mm

Ranked in the US

#14

South Carolina has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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South Dakota

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No Restrictions

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461.5 mm

Ranked in the US

#41

South Dakota has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Tennessee

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No Restrictions

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1,497.1 mm

Ranked in the US

#4

Tennessee has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Texas

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Offer Incentives

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732.3 mm

Ranked in the US

#34

Collecting rainwater in Texas is allowed and even encouraged.

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Utah

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Restrictions

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344.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#46

Collecting rainwater in Utah is restricted in some areas to ensure that water is available for downstream users and to protect water quality. The state's water resources are limited, and there are concerns that collecting rainwater could reduce the amount of water available to downstream users, such as farmers and other water users who rely on surface water sources. Additionally, some areas have restrictions in place to protect the quality of water sources and to prevent contamination from pollutants and other sources.

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Vermont

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No Restrictions

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1,063.8 mm

Ranked in the US

#22

Vermont has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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Virginia

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Restrictions

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1,037.8 mm

Ranked in the US

#27

In Virginia, rainwater collection is restricted by law. The state requires a permit for the construction of any type of rainwater harvesting system, and the use of rainwater is limited to non-potable purposes such as irrigation and landscaping. The restrictions on rainwater collection in Virginia are primarily due to concerns about the safety and quality of the collected water. The state wants to ensure that the water is properly treated before being used for any purpose, including irrigation. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact of rainwater harvesting on the state's water supply and aquatic ecosystems.

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Washington

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1,114.8 mm

Ranked in the US

#20

Washington is another state where rainwater collection is restricted. The state requires a permit for any rainwater harvesting system that collects more than 1,000 gallons of water, and the use of collected water is limited to non-potable purposes. The restrictions on rainwater collection in Washington are primarily due to concerns about the state's water supply and aquatic ecosystems. The state wants to ensure that there is enough water available for all uses, including drinking water, and that the use of rainwater does not have a negative impact on the environment.

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West Virginia

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No Restrictions

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1,081.8 mm

Ranked in the US

#21

West Virginia has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

Wisconsin

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Restrictions

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760.2 mm

Ranked in the US

#33

Wisconsin has restrictions on rainwater collection. In this state, the use of rain barrels is allowed, but the collection of rainwater for other purposes is restricted. The state allows rainwater collection only for certain specific purposes, such as agricultural irrigation, firefighting, and non-potable household uses. The restrictions on rainwater collection in Wisconsin are primarily due to concerns about the state's water supply and the potential impact on aquatic ecosystems. The state wants to ensure that there is enough water available for all uses and that the use of rainwater does not have a negative impact on the environment.

Total Precipitation

Wyoming

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Offer Incentives

Total Precipitation

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365.5 mm

Ranked in the US

#44

Wyoming offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Total Precipitation

FAQs

Is it illegal to collect rainwater ?

It is not illegal to collect rainwater in the US, but there are restrictions and regulations in some states.

Why is it illegal to collect rainwater ?

The reasons for the restrictions on rainwater collection vary but are often related to concerns over water rights, water quality, and the potential impact on downstream water users.

Where is it illegal to collect rainwater ?

There is no state in the US where collecting rainwater is illegal, but there are states that have restrictions around rainwater collection. These states are :

1. Arkansas
2. California
3. Colorado
4. Georgia
5. Illinois
6. Nevada
7. Ohio
8. Utah
9. Virginia
10. Washington
11. Wisconsin

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