Rainwater is a priceless resource for people living in areas where water is scarce or expensive. It’s also a godsend in case you can collect it every time your regular supplies are turned off or contaminated.
Of course, many preppers are desperate to put money into rainwater capture and storage systems to make sure they’ve a secure supply of water irrespective of what happens on the earth.
But, consider it or not, the legality of rainwater harvesting is somewhat ambiguous from state to state, and laws and regulations abound. Or perhaps Illinois? Is rainwater harvesting illegal in Illinois?
No, collecting rainwater in Illinois shouldn’t be illegal. However, the state has certain rules about how it may be used and stored for later use, and native governments can force system owners to comply with state plumbing regulations and codes.
This is hardly surprising given how contentious and uncontrolled the federal government is in any respect levels in Illinois.
But that is just how it really works, and depending on where you reside within the state, you’ll have a simple time installing a system and use your rainwater, or you’ll have a really, very difficult time.
Read on and I’ll inform you more about a few of Illinois’ current rainwater harvesting laws and issues.
Is rainwater harvesting illegal on the state level in Illinois?
NO, rainwater harvesting shouldn’t be illegal on the state level in Illinois. However, there are specific regulations that individuals must follow to be certain that their systems meet certain criteria.
In addition, the state government has authorized all local governments to implement state plumbing regulations and codes regarding private rainwater harvesting systems.
Even smaller residential scale systems usually are not exempt from permitting and inspection requirements as dictated by local authorities.
For example, it have to be proven that the systems don’t pose a public health risk, cannot adversely affect the environment or adjoining properties, and can’t affect the standard of water in municipal systems, streams, rivers or groundwater.
Is rainwater harvesting illegal on the county level?
No, technically speaking, but in some areas the practice might be so disgustingly overregulated it would as well be illegal.
While rainwater harvesting shouldn’t be illegal on the state level in Illinois, counties and municipalities have their very own guidelines, codes, and regulations which might be supported by the state government, which allows them to implement state plumbing laws and codes against local users. See SB0032, SB0038 AND SB2549.
For example, Cook County has regulations and guidelines which only industrial and industrial properties must follow in the event that they are considering a rainwater harvesting system.
Other counties, equivalent to McHenry County, would not have specific rainwater harvesting regulations per se, but may require permission to construct any rainwater barrels or cisterns, depending on the situation and purpose of the system.
Residents concerned with collecting rainwater are advised to familiarize themselves with local ordinances and seek advice from their county or city government before purchasing, let alone installing a rain catcher system.
Under what conditions can residents collect rainwater in Illinois?
Under state law, Illinois residents can harvest rainwater at any time, except when a state of emergency is said, so long as they follow local government guidelines and regulations, which can include state sanitation codes and standards!
In many locations, residents might want to seek the advice of an official or specialist to evaluate the standard and safety of their system and to be certain that all appropriate measures have been taken to keep up water safety prior to commissioning.
In addition, residents must concentrate on any local laws or guidelines that will affect the design, installation or use of their rainwater harvesting system: using non-permitted or non-standard systems could also be illegal in any respect!
Is there a limit to the quantity of rainwater that might be collected in Illinois?
Potentially. There are state level regulations that limit the quantity of rainwater that might be harvested in Illinois and not using a permit.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regulates non-potable rainwater harvesting systems that produce greater than 1,000 gallons a day or 100,000 gallons a yr.
Those exceeding these limits are required to acquire a permit from the IEPA, which incorporates an in depth application process.
Homeowners who collect rainwater on a small scale for non-potable purposes, equivalent to watering plants, washing cars or filling swimming pools, are generally not subject to those restrictions, but on this state, nothing is thought!
What does Illinois allow residents to make use of rainwater for?
Illinois law generally allows residents to make use of rainwater for quite a lot of non-potable purposes, subject to additional local and county level regulations and guidance.
Examples include irrigating and watering lawns, gardens and crops, flushing toilets, washing cars and equipment, or filling ponds and fountains.
It is price noting that you simply generally cannot use rainwater to fill a pool or hot tub; it may be considered drinkable!
The collection and use of rainwater for these purposes is barely legal if the system that collects and stores it is correctly designed, installed, maintained and, if vital, authorized.
Does Illinois require special equipment or inspections for rainwater harvesting?
Yes, in principle, on the local level. Illinois does indirectly require special equipment or inspection for many residential scale rainwater harvesting systems.
However, they achieve this not directly by allowing local governments to force residents to comply with state plumbing codes and codes when installing catchment systems.
For example, you’ll expect to be required to make use of tight-fitting screens or other devices to stop contaminants and insects from entering any storage tank (in accordance with IEPA regulations), or to mandate water quality testing in a gutter system not less than every year to make sure it’s secure for intended use (in accordance with IDPH).
In some cases, rainwater harvesting systems may require additional equipment or specialized inspections depending on the municipality.
For example, if the collected rainwater is for use for drinking purposes equivalent to drinking or cooking, even privately, the system have to be equipped with additional treatment and disinfection facilities.
Does Illinois offer incentives to reap rainwater?
No, Illinois currently doesn’t have any financial incentives for rainwater harvesting.
It is feasible that some local councils or service providers may offer rebates, subsidies or tax credits for the installation of a rainwater harvesting system, but I actually have not been capable of locate them.
Again, it’s best to check along with your local authority or utility provider to see if any incentives can be found.
Bottom line: Is Illinois a great state for rainwater harvesting?
Illinois is the one “fair” state for rainwater harvesting: while the state enjoys moderate to high rainfall and has no real state-level restrictions, it allows local governments to impose state codes and other rights on residents to put in and use the system.
Counties and municipalities might also have their very own, completely separate guidelines, codes and regulations regarding the gathering or use of rainwater, even whether it is entirely private.
Therefore, it will be important that residents thoroughly research and comply with all regulations before purchasing a rainwater harvesting system, after which sustain with inspection and permit requirements.
The interplay of state and native laws thus created a patchwork of rules that’s difficult for the common person to navigate.
However, a properly designed, installed and maintained stormwater drainage system can provide Illinois residents with loads of on-site utility water once they need it.
It’s only a pity that you have got to dig through a lot bureaucracy in so many places…
