#Rainwater Collecting Laws for Each State
A full list of the laws for rainwater harvesting by each state supported by links to current state legislation, government websites, and Senate, House, and Assembly Bills.
Jeremiah Zac, Updated: February 18, 2026
https://worldwaterreserve.com/is-it-illegal-to-collect-rainwater/
#US #SolarPunkSunday #RainwaterCollection #Rainbarrels #HarvestingRainwater #WaterIsLife
#RocklandME - #KnoxLincolnSoilAndWaterConservationDistrict
Annual Bin and Barrel Sale
Featuring #EarthMachine #Composters and Systern #Rainbarrels
Note: The Systern Rainbarrels are made from thinner plastic than some rainbarrels and definitely need to be stored when the weather gets cold -- or else they will crack!
https://www.knox-lincoln.org/shop/bin-barrel-sale
#SolarPunkSunday #BackyardComposters #RainwaterCollection #WaterIsLife #SoilIsLife #Compost
So, these #rainbarrels are a bit pricey (apparently there are bulk discounts though). However, I own two of the terracotta-colored ones, and they have held up during #Maine weather (where it can be warm and rainy one day, freezing the next). Obviously, they should be drained and stored for the winter, but when that doesn't happen, the material seems to be forgiving (unlike the beige rainbarrels -- which are made from lighter plastic)...
This program is not just for #Mainers!
Upcycle Rain Barrels and #Composters
Providing Eco-Friendly Products for More Than 20 Years
2026 MAINE WATER COMPANY RAIN BARREL EVENT
ALL ORDERS WILL BE DELIVERED 10 - 15 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF ORDER.
*** BARREL PRICES INCLUDES DELIVERY VIA FEDEX/UPS DIRECTLY TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE ***
https://upcycle-products.com/me/mwc/
#SolarPunkSunday #RainbarrelProgram #Composter #HarvestingRainwater #WaterCollection #HomeComposting
#NapervilleIL - #TheConservationFoundation
#RainBarrels & #Composters
"One simple, efficient, low-cost method to reduce the amount of #StormwaterRunoff from your property is to use rain barrels. Estimates indicate that a quarter-inch of rain falling on an average home yields over 200 gallons of water. Rain barrels are simply large containers that help conserve stormwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost as runoff. Modern rain barrels are sealed, safe around children and insect resistant – they can even be painted or decorated to your liking. You can divert water from your downspout to fill your rain barrel and a hose spigot on the front makes the water easy to access and use.
The Conservation Foundation sells rain barrels, also known as #WaterBarrels, year-round through our partnership with Upcycle Products, Inc. Our 55-gallon rain barrels are made of recycled food-grade plastic, come in a variety of colors and can be purchased for $72.00 (plus tax) for pick-up at #McDonaldFarm in Naperville.
Composters
When we compost our #KitchenScraps and #YardWaste we reduce the amount of material going to the #landfills and instead return nutrients to the #soil. The many benefits of #composting include reducing the amount of material going to landfills and adding organic matter to our #garden beds. This improves soil structure and texture, increases the soil’s ability to hold both water and air, improves soil fertility, and stimulates healthy root development in plants. And it saves you money so you don’t have to buy chemical fertilizers!
Upcycle compost bins (stationary and tumbling) are the same size as the 55 gallon rain barrel, approximately 2 ft by 3.5 ft (the base of the tumbling composter requires a 3 x 4 ft area). The bins are re-purposed BPA-free food grade plastic barrels."
FMI and to order:
https://theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/rain-barrels/
#SolarPunkSunday #Illinois #Composters #RainwaterCollection #WaterIsLife #SoilIsLife
#AllianceForTheChesapeakeBay - #RiverSmart Homes: #RainBarrels
"Funded by the District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), the RiverSmart Homes Rain Barrel program helps reduce #stormwater runoff in #WashingtonDC, improving the quality of local #streams and #waterways. Residents of the District can receive up to three reduced-cost barrels, information about stormwater issues, and signage for their yard. In addition, the Alliance coordinates and trains local contractors to install rain barrels in the city.
By aiding in the coordination and installation of barrels, the program allows for easy and accessible environmental solutions on your property!"
Learn more:
https://www.allianceforthebay.org/project/riversmart/riversmart-homes-rain-barrels/
#SolarPunkSunday #DC #ChesapeakeBay #RainbarrelProgram #WaterCollection #WaterIsLife #RainwaterCollection
#PortAransasTX - Discounted #RainBarrel program offered
February 12, 2026
"With the continued drought and increased water restrictions, Keep Port Aransas Beautiful (#KPAB), the Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 and the #PortAransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are offering an opportunity to conserve water resources.
Port Aransas homeowners and residents may purchase rain barrels at a discounted price through this program.
Nueces County water customers can purchase a limit of two rain barrels for the discounted price of $66. Additional rain barrels can be ordered for $88 each.
The deadline to order the barrels is Monday, March 30.
The rain barrels will be distributed from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 11, at the water district parking lot.
The water district is located at 200 Howard Blvd.
'Collecting rainwater is a great way to conserve a natural resource and keep water clean,' said a news release from KPAB."
Source:
https://www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/discounted-rain-barrel-program-offered/
The rain barrels may be purchased directly through the program’s website, https://www.rainwatersolutions.com/products/portaransas, using a credit or debit card.
#SolarPunkSunday #WaterCollection #Rainbarrels #HarvestingRainwater #RainwaterCollection #Texas #Drought #ClimateChange
With the continued drought and increased water restrictions, Keep Port Aransas Beautiful (KPAB), the Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4 and the Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce are offering an opportunity to conserve water resources. Port Aransas homeowners and residents may purchase rain barrels at a discounted price through this program. The rain barrels <a href="https://www.portasouthjetty.com/articles/discounted-rain-barrel-program-offered/">[…]</a>
#MassDEP - #RainBarrels and Other Water Conservation Tools
"Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water and reduce storm water runoff. Use the collected water for household chores.
Table of Contents
- What are rain barrels?
- Why use rain barrels?
- How do I install a rain barrel?
- Where can I get a manufactured rain barrel?
- How else can I conserve water?
What are rain barrels?
Rain barrels are containers used to collect rain water from the roof of a building via the gutter and downspout. The downspout is cut to a height that permits the rain water to flow into a barrel placed beneath it. The barrel should have a spigot to which a hose may be attached, and an overflow hose to direct rain water away from the foundation if rain continues after the barrel is full. Rain barrels are often made from 55-gallon food-grade plastic barrels, although they can also be made of wood. The collected water can be used to water gardens or lawns, wash cars, fill swimming pools or do other household chores.
Why use rain barrels?
Conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff: In the summer months, outdoor tasks such as watering lawns and gardens typically make up about 40% of household water use. With seasonal droughts, restrictions and bans on lawn watering, and the increasing cost of water, it makes sense to use rain water instead of municipal water for outdoor uses. Unless it is collected, rain water runs off impervious surfaces, such as roofs and pavement, gathering pollutants which often end up in local streams, rivers, pond, lakes and marine waters. Keeping and using rain water on your property helps reduce pollution, erosion and improves local watershed health.
Water quantity: Just 1/4 inch of rainfall on a typical roof will fill a rain barrel. A modest amount of rainfall can supply much or all of your outdoor watering needs - a full rain barrel will water a 200 square foot garden. A good rule of thumb is that 1 inch of rain on a 1000 sq ft roof yields 623 gallons of water. You can calculate the yield of your roof by multiplying the square footage of your roof by 623 and dividing by 1000.
Water quality: Rain water is 'soft, or free from minerals and chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride, and calcium that are often present in municipal water. Rain water is considered ideal for watering plants or washing cars and windows."
Learn more:
https://www.mass.gov/guides/rain-barrels-and-other-water-conservation-tools
#SolarPunkSunday #RainBarrels #RainwaterHarvesting #RainwaterCollection #WaterIsLife
#ReduceStormwaterRunoff
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
Or one could #DIY... I keep one of my rainbarrels on a platform, and it helps with water flow!
Best Stands for #RainBarrels to Maximize #WaterHarvesting
Post published:February 13, 2026
"Raising a rain barrel off the ground improves access to the spigot, enhances drainage, and protects the barrel from damp ground. This guide highlights reliable stands designed for 45, 50, and 55-gallon barrels, focusing on durability, load capacity, and weather resistance. The selections below draw from top-rated options that balance robustness with practical design, helping you choose a stand that fits your weather, terrain, and watering needs."
Learn more (Contains affiliate links):
https://theyogicgarden.com/best-stand-for-rain-barrel/
#SolarPunkSunday #WaterHarvesters #RainwaterCollection #RainwaterHarvesting #WaterCollection #Gardening #Rainwater #WaterIsLife
#Michigan - Oakland County #RainSmart program expected to keep millions of gallons of #water out of #sewer - here's how
By Amber Eikenberry
Published January 27, 2026 12:51pm
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - "Two years of helping Oakland County residents install green infrastructure is expected to keep 1.4 million gallons of stormwater out of the sewer system annually.
"During the two-year RainSmart Rebates pilot program, residents located in the George W. Kuhn Drain Drainage District were able to receive money to install rain gardens, rain barrels, and native trees to their yards.
Participants were able to install one garden, up to two trees, and two rain barrels after an evaluation of their property to determine which infrastructure would work best.
By the numbers:
According to Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, the second year of the program, which started in 2024 and just wrapped up, saw a 22% increase in participation from 2024.
This past year, 379 rain barrels, 199 native trees, and 105 rain gardens were installed.
In 2024, there were 159 rain barrels, 98 trees, and 49 rain gardens installed.
Since the pilot began, nearly 300 residents have participated. A total of more than $176,000 rebates were distributed, with the average participant receiving $500 for their projects.
Why it matters:
Flooding is a major issue in many parts of #MetroDetroit, especially in cities that are part of the #GeorgeWKuhnDrain Drainage District, including all or part of Berkley, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Royal Oak Township, Southfield, and Troy,
This is because it is a combined sewer system. In a combined system, #wastewater and #stormwater both flow through the same pipes, known as gray infrastructure, and go to a wastewater treatment plant.
This means that during periods of intense rain like Metro Detroit has been seeing more frequently, the system can get overwhelmed. The result? Flooded streets and backups into homes.
Also, there is a greater likelihood of contaminants making it into the system. This is a concern even for homes not on a combined sewer system.
Rain barrels, trees, and native plant gardens all help reduce the amount of rainwater that makes it to the sewer system."
#SolarPunkSunday #WaterCollection #Rainbarrels #NativePlants #NativeTrees #RainGardens #TreePlanting
During the two-year RainSmart Rebates pilot program, Oakland County residents installed hundreds of trees, rain gardens, and rain barrels that will greatly reduce how much stormwater makes it to the sewer system.
DoomsdaysCW
