I Wonder What the Founding Fathers Would Have Said About "Harvesting Rainwater"?

Are You A Rainwater Outlaw?

I was reading some information from an online source that sells water filtration system. I’m happy with my big Berkey with it’s silver impregnated filters. Read this for a laugh or to get totally disgusted. Your choice.

But here is some of what I found making me wonder what the Found Fathers would have thought about some of the control freaks dictates. If harvesting rainwater is outlawed you can pry my rainwater from my cold dead fingers.

One of the most crucial steps you can take as a homesteader is ensuring the ability to replenish your water supply. No matter how much water you’ve stockpiled, there’s always a risk of running out or having it contaminated, especially in a power grid-down scenario where water stops flowing from faucets.

To be truly self-sufficient, it’s wise to have systems in place that allow you to replenish your water supply, and harvesting rainwater is one of the simplest ways to achieve this.

However, in some states, it’s not as straightforward. While rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated in most states, a few states have stricter regulations that you should be aware of.

These regulations exist because water availability and quality vary widely across the U.S., and some states aim to balance protecting water resources with the rights of property owners.

Here are the states where harvesting rainwater is restricted or otherwise regulated:

My comments are in bold italics…C.L.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, all rainwater harvesting systems must adhere to local plumbing codes and be designed by a licensed engineer within the state. The engineer is responsible for ensuring that the system includes cross-connection safeguards and complies with the Arkansas Plumbing Code. (Hello, Arkansas water engineering department? I have two buckets that I put out under my car cover to catch rainwater. Can I get an engineer out here to see if it will pass Arkansas Plumbing Code? Or is every thing hunky dory as long as I’m only using my water for bathing or making soup? Help me out here. I’ve only got a four year college education and this is becoming confusing to me!)

Additionally, harvested rainwater is restricted to non-potable uses, meaning it cannot be used for drinking but can be used for other purposes like bathing or cooking. (Sooooo….if I make soup with the water, it’s OK to swallow it but if it isn’t in soup …WHAT? More proof of IDIOTS behind “law” making!)

Colorado

Colorado has some of the strictest rainwater harvesting laws in the United States. Residents are limited to collecting rainwater in up to two barrels, with a combined capacity of 110 gallons. (LOL! Hi we’re here from the water police. We need to measure your water collection and if you have 111 gallons we are going to fine the shit out of you! )

Additionally, the collected water can only be used for outdoor purposes, such as watering crops or gardens, and must be used on the property where it was collected—it cannot be transported elsewhere. (Sorry neighbor, my rainwater is mine. You can’t use any for your garden. The bosses in the legislature have made it so. And the enforcement officers say “I’m only doing my job” as they handcuff you for sharing water with your neighbor.)

Georgia

Similar to Colorado, Georgia mandates that any rainwater harvested can only be used for outdoor purposes. (So if I have some indoor plants, I can’t use it to water them? Is a SWAT team sent out if I don’t comply? Do you use drones to spy on my use or satellites?)

Idaho

In Idaho, rainwater harvesting is fully legal, provided that the rainwater hasn’t entered a natural waterway like a stream or river before collection. Additionally, the process must not interfere with the water rights of other individuals or property owners. (How can it be rainwater if it is in a stream or river? Once it hits the stream or river it’s stream or river water. Do these people know what common sense is?)

Illinois

Illinois also has strict regulations regarding rainwater harvesting. Harvested rainwater is limited to non-potable uses, such as watering gardens, cooking, or personal hygiene, but cannot be used for drinking. (So if I filter it I can’t drink it? Who runs this state a bunch of psychotic morons? Well, we know the answer to that!)

Additionally, any rainwater harvesting systems must be built in full compliance with the Illinois Plumbing Code. (I wonder if a bucket is in compliance.)

Kansas

In Kansas, a permit is required for harvesting rainwater intended for non-household uses. If you plan to use the rainwater for drinking, watering your garden, pasture, or livestock, no permit is necessary. However, if you intend to use the rainwater outside of your household, such as sharing it with another family, a permit must be obtained. (The masters say I can’t share my water with you unless I get a permit. Sorry neighbor.)

Louisiana

Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in Louisiana, but certain jurisdictions require that covers be permanently set up over water collection tanks or cisterns. (Not a bad idea since you don’t want your cat or dog or children to fall in. Like DUH?)

Nevada

Harvesting rainwater in Nevada was once illegal, but it is now permitted as long as the collected water is used solely by the household that gathered it. (Sorry neighbor you’ll have to die of thirst. Our psycho “leaders say it has to be so! )Additionally, the rainwater can only be used for non-potable purposes like gardening or personal hygiene. (Sorry no drinking the water for you comrade!)

Ohio

In Ohio, rainwater harvesting is completely legal for both potable and non-potable uses. The only restriction is that a rainwater harvesting system can provide potable water for up to 25 people. (Hi I’m from the census bureau of idiots. And I DEMAND to know how many people are utilizing the rainwater you are collecting! If it is over 25 you are SOOL!!! )

Since most households have far fewer than 25 people, this regulation typically isn’t a concern for most families. (Well unless you live in Springfield were over 25 Haitians under one roof is quite common. And if they live in a 3x2 duplex and a toilet stops up…expect to find it filled to the brim with shit. Ask me how I know. As I asked him, why is this toilet filled to the brim with shit? Don’t you have another bathroom. To which he answered in his strange Caribean accent… if someone else is using the other toilet, whuts we supposed to do? My answer…uhhhh WAIT or shit in the YARD! )

Oregon

In Oregon, rainwater harvesting is fully legal as long as the water is collected through a rooftop system. Contrary to popular belief, rainwater harvesting is not illegal in Oregon. (I wonder if the water running of a metal car cover into a couple of buckets would be “OK” in the state of OreGONE?)

Texas

In Texas, rainwater harvesting is permitted provided that each collection system is integrated into the design of the home or building. (So, if you have an older house…you’re shit out of luck buddy!)

Additionally, homeowners must submit a written notice to their local municipality to inform them of their intention to harvest rainwater. (I wonder how I would word mine. Maybe something like this? I wonder what the response would be… Dear psychopathic control freak parasitical assholes, I want to let you know I plan on “harvesting” a few gallons of rainwater. Which side of your ass should I kiss to get your vaunted permission so you don’t send out a SWAT team to stop me from gathering water?)

Utah

In this state, rainwater harvesting is permitted if you are registered with the Division of Water Resources and own or lease the land where the rainwater is collected.

Registered individuals can store up to 2,500 gallons of rainwater. Those not registered are limited to storing a maximum of 200 gallons, divided between two containers, with each container holding no more than 100 gallons. For example, you cannot store 200 gallons if it’s split between a 120-gallon and an 80-gallon container. (A few things to say about this insanity is this YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! More proof of MORONS running the show! 120+80 = 200 BUT it MUST BE according to our EDICTS 100+100 to be “legal” and that is all your allowed UNLESS you “register” with us and then, hey, we will allow you to be blessed with 2500 gallons, after all, we tell God what you can have! )

Washington

Contrary to popular belief, rainwater harvesting is not illegal in Washington state. It is permissible as long as it’s collected from a structure intended for more than just rainwater collection, such as a regular home. (What is a “regular” home?)

Additionally, the harvested rainwater must be used solely on the property where it was collected and cannot be transported elsewhere. 

While rainwater harvesting is generally allowed in many states, there are specific regulations to consider. To ensure that the collected rainwater is safe for drinking, proper filtration is essential. (Uhhhh…guess what? I can figure out all by my lonesome if it is safe for drinking. I’ve been drinking rainwater for 26 years and here I am! NO FLOURIDE in rain water. )

So what do you think? More proof psychopathic control freak PARASITES are running the world? I hope you had a few laughs. I know I did.

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