States Where It Is Illegal to Collect Rainwater

Alabama has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Alaska also has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Arizona offers incentives for rainwater collection.

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.

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.

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.

Connecticut has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Delaware has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Florida offers incentives for rainwater collection.

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.

Hawaii offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Idaho has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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.

Indiana has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Iowa has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Kansas offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Kentucky has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Louisiana has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Maine has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Maryland offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Massachusetts has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Michigan offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Minnesota offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Mississippi has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Missouri has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Montana has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Nebraska has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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.

New Hampshire has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

New Jersey offers incentives for rainwater collection.

New Mexico offers incentives for rainwater collection.

New York has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

North Carolina offers incentives for rainwater collection.

North Dakota offers incentives for rainwater collection.

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.

Oklahoma has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Oregon offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Pennsylvania offers incentives for rainwater collection.

Rhode Island offers incentives for rainwater collection.

South Carolina has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

South Dakota has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Tennessee has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

Collecting rainwater in Texas is allowed and even encouraged.

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.

Vermont has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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.

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.

West Virginia has no restrictions on rainwater collection.

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.

Wyoming offers incentives for rainwater collection.