Page 57 - Green Builder Sept-Oct 2019 Issue

www.greenbuildermedia.com/saving-water-home

Harvesting know-how. Various government agencies,
such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provide
free guides and studies on rainwater harvesting.

CREDIT: U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

GUIDELINES FOR HARVESTING RAINWATER

F RAINWATER IS GOING to be harvested More information on rainwater harvesting
on any scale, there is still a significant is available at various levels of government
need for guidance. While no U.S. states and private associations. They include:
I prohibit the harvesting of rainwater, ■ ■ In 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection
regulations (where there are any) are not Agency (EPA) published a comprehensive
consistent. For example: document on rainwater harvesting. It
■ In California, where harvesting rainwater provides useful references that contain
■
was illegal until 2012, harvesters must technical information as well as guidance
now comply with the requirements of the manuals from Texas, Georgia and Virginia, and
California State Water Resources Board. a series of interesting case studies.
■ In Colorado, traditionally the most ■ New York City (NYC) has specific
■ ■
restrictive state in terms of harvesting acceptance and maintenance criteria for
rainwater, harvesting has been permitted rainwater harvesting systems that were
since 2016, but only for non-potable developed by the City’s Department of
purposes. Also, the quantity of rain that Environmental Protection (DEP) in consultation
may be collected is limited. with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).
■ In Arkansas, a professional engineer ■ New York State has a more-specific
■ ■
licensed in the state must design the Rainwater Harvesting Guide, published in
system. 2015, which includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions with
■ In Illinois, it is legislated in terms of water conservation and renewable appropriate references.
■
energy. A Chicago engineering firm will need to make certain the system ■ ■ The national Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing
conforms in terms of water conservation, infrastructure, efficiency and Code (IPC) has addressed the subject of harvesting rainwater since
management. 2010. The same applies to other professional organizations, including
■ In New York, rainwater harvesting is 100 percent legal and is encouraged. the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA).
■

www.greenbuildermedia.com September/October 2019 GREEN BUILDER 55

52-56 GB 0919 Saving Water.indd 55 9/20/19 10:12 AM