US #EPA - #SoakUpTheRain Program for #NewEngland: #RainBarrels

Last updated on January 13, 2026

"Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It's a great way to conserve water and it's free water for use in your landscape.

Many cities and towns distribute rain barrels to residents through annual sales. Other sources include online retailers, local home and garden supply stores. Cisterns are also used to 'harvest' rain water. With a greater storage capacity they may be located above or below ground.

#RainwaterHarvesting, U.S. EPA Green Infrastructure

Note: Remember that as rain water flows over a roof surface it can pick up pollutants such as bacteria from birds and other animals, and chemicals from roof materials - factors to consider when thinking about using rain barrel water on edible plantings. Some links with information and suggestions are included below:

- Rain Barrels Part IV: Testing and Applying #HarvestedWater to Irrigate a Vegetable Garden, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, 2013
- The Importance of Operation and Maintenance for the Long-Term Success of Green Infrastructure, U.S. EPA, 2013
- Appendix A includes information about rain barrels and #cisterns.

Information About Rain Barrels

Local resources for:

#Connecticut
#Maine
#Massachusetts
#NewHampshire
#RhodeIsland
#Vermont "

Read more:
https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-barrels

#SolarPunkSunday #RainwaterCollection #RainwaterCollection #RainWaterHarvesting #WaterIsLife #WaterSystems

So, before I start posting about #RainwaterCollection and #RainwaterHarvesting, I wanted to point out that while collecting rainwater is legal in most countries (though there can be local restrictions/regulations), there are some states in the #UnitedStates that restrict or prohibit #Rainwater collection.

Can You Go To Jail for Collecting Rainwater?

By Kiersten Hickman
Updated on Nov. 24, 2023

It's fine in most states, but some have stricter rules!

"While most states permit rainwater harvesting and some even encourage it, other states have specific rules and regulations around the topic. These states specify the uses of the water. For example, if the water can be collected for “non-potable” purposes, it means the water is not suitable for drinking but can be used for other things. Potable means it’s safe for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Here are a few with specific rules governing rainwater harvesting.

- #Alaska (rainwater okay, but groundwater is regulated)
- #Arkansas (legal with some regulation)
- #California (legal unless using it for landscaping)
- #Colorado (limited to 110 gallons per day)
- #Illinois (legal with some regulation)
- #Kansas (#WaterRights required, except for domestic use)
- #Louisiana (#cisterns must have covers)
- #Nevada (used to be illegal, but is legal with some restrictions
- #NorthCarolina (regulated)
- #Ohio (regulated for drinking)
- #Oregon (no longer illegal)
- #Texas (regulated)
- #Utah (rules about amounts)
- #WashingtonState (strict rules)

Learn more:
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/collecting-rain-water-in-these-states-could-be-illegal/

More about the status of individual states:
https://4perfectwater.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws

#SolarPunkSunday #WaterIsLife #WaterCollection #UnitedStates

Well, I did NOT finish my #SolarPunk jobs list. But it's on my To Do list... Next week, I'll plan on focusing on #WaterStorage and #Reuse -- #Greywater, #Rainbarrels, #Cisterns, etc., since #Maine is still experiencing a #Drought (despite all the snow), and other places are as well. I know I'll be pestering our Town Manager about getting some rainbarrels and #GreenMachine composters at cost for the local residents.

Boosting some posts from yesterday. I hope you'll join us next #SolarPunkSunday!

[Image source: altered, decommidified screenshot from a Chobani commercial. Found via oneearth.org/solarpunk ]

So, here are a few #SolarPunkSunday topics that I plan on tackling in the near-future:

- #Rainbarrels, #Cisterns, #Graywater use and systems
- #ToyLibraries (in the US and elsewhere)
- #SolarPanels and #Farming
- How to make #Lime and #LimeMortar from scratch
- Dealing with #Batteries and #HazardousWaste while #SpringCleaning
- Seasoning #CastIron pans.

I would love to hear suggestions for future SPS topics! Feel free to chime in!

cc: @BrambleBearSnoring and @MaQuest

Can '#WaterBatteries' help farmers tackle #drought?

Kirk England, 21 October 2025

"#Rainwater used to surge through Will Luke's dairy farm whenever there was a downpour.

"He used to watch it flow away but concerns over 'drier and drier' summers led him to build a storage pond allowing him to put that water to use - particularly for livestock.

" 'Once it leaves the farm, it's no good to me. If we capture the water we can get more use out of it. We're much more resilient,' said Mr Luke, whose farm is near Plymouth, Devon.

"The Westcountry Rivers Trust said #ponds and #wetlands were insurance for 'times of need' including droughts, and it was now leading a €8m (£6.95m) project on how the so-called 'water batteries' could be used to create a 'smart water grid' across Europe."

Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg7p9en90ro

#SolarPunkSunday #Ponds #Wetlands #Rainbarrels #Cisterns #WaterBatteries #ClimateChangeFarming #ClimateChangeAdaptation #WaterIsLife