Rainwater collection can help you conserve water and give you savings on utility bills. However, some are discouraged to build a rainwater harvesting system in fear that they may get in trouble with neighborhood or municipal authorities.
In this post, one of the area’s most trusted gutter guard companies, Gutter Helmet® of Western North Carolina, discusses things you need to consider for rainwater collection.
Is Rainwater Collection Legal?
The federal government doesn’t restrict rainwater collection in most states. Some states have regulations when it comes to the amount of collected rainwater and how it is collected.
The restriction is based on the concern that rainwater collection can affect the hydrological cycle. But a Scientific World Journal study proved that harvesting rainwater doesn’t have any effects on the hydrological cycle. Since the rainwater is used for gardening and household chores, the water is brought back to the ground.
The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) collaborates with the state governments to make rainwater collection available to citizens. Laws for private rainwater harvesting has been modified in most states. For example, in Colorado, the state with the strictest rainwater laws passed a 2016 bill that allows rainwater collection of up to 110 gallons.
Things to Consider if You Live in Northern Carolina
North Carolina permits rainwater collection, but there are laws you need to keep in mind. House Bill 609, passed in 2011, states that the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources will give statewide assistance on water efficiency and promote practices encouraging water conservation. This includes reusing water and collecting rainwater.
On the other hand, Senate Bill 163, passed in 2016, acknowledges that rainwater collection can help with the state’s future water supply. Then there’s the State Law 243 which allows changes in the plumbing codes related to cistern water in residential and commercial establishments.
Appendix C-1 of the law discuss rainwater recycling systems. It states that recycled rainwater is non-portable or can’t be used for drinking. All rainwater systems must be inspected and the water can only come from catchments like roofs and gutters. Systems must be caught with an approved filter strainer, disinfected and colored blue or green.
You can collect water from your rain gutter system, store it in tanks and use it for gardening and other chores. Protect your gutters so you can conserve more water. Choose Gutter Helmet of Western North Carolina, one of the top gutter guard companies in the state, for quality gutter protection products. Call us at (828) 237-3001 or complete our online form. We serve clients in Mill Springs, North Carolina.
