Any self-reliant guy or girl knows that water is probably the most precious resources to have readily available when trouble strikes.
It doesn’t matter in the event you’re coping with a man-made crisis or a natural disaster, peculiar municipal water supplies are easily disturbed, leaving you high and dry once you least can afford it.
But if you may have a rainwater harvesting system in your property, an excellent rainy day can get you tens and even tons of of gallons of water.
But imagine it or not, some states have tried to manage this ancient practice. Is rainwater harvesting and Pennsylvania illegal?
No, harvesting rainwater just isn’t illegal in Pennsylvania. The state generally encourages residents to do that practice, and there aren’t any state laws restricting it. However, some county and native laws may apply.
This is great news for anyone living in Pennsylvania who desires to implement rain catch practices as a policy or as effective preparation.
You won’t mind the state, although you must check all local laws fastidiously before pulling the trigger on a potentially costly system and subsequent installation.
Below, I’ll inform you every little thing it’s essential to learn about Pennsylvania’s rain catcher rules and regulations.
Is rainwater harvesting illegal on the state level in Pennsylvania?
No, there aren’t any state ordinances in Pennsylvania that prohibit rainwater harvesting. Some states have surprisingly strict rainwater harvesting laws (Ohio! Ahem..).
But fortunately in Pennsylvania, persons are generally allowed to capture and store rainwater without fear of legal repercussions and for any purpose.
However, you may still want to envision the county or borough regulations that will apply where you reside.
Is rainwater harvesting illegal on the county level?
While Pennsylvania doesn’t have any state-level regulations, some counties could have their very own guidelines or bans on this matter.
To determine in case your city has such regulations, check along with your local water authority or trusted legal expert about restrictions that will apply in your jurisdiction.
Don’t forget to envision each county and, if applicable, city or town codes. And in the event you live in a nicer area, you’ll want to check HOA restrictions; most prohibit the installation of conspicuous above-ground tanks.
This way you’ll be able to have peace of mind when harvesting rainwater and avoid potential legal issues…
Under what conditions can residents collect rainwater in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania generally encourages its residents to reap rainwater every time they select. Please note that in a declared state of emergency, the governor may call for a halt to all rainwater harvesting during times of maximum water scarcity and other crises.
In addition, local county or city laws may re-state certain conditions regarding when rainwater can and can’t be harvested, or how much might be harvested in a given period.
As long as none of those restrictions apply in your area and a state of emergency has been declared, you’ll be able to collect rainwater every time you would like!
Is there a limit to the quantity of rainwater that might be collected in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has no state limits on how much rainwater might be harvested. I do know it’s possible you’ll be uninterested in hearing this by now, but you’ll want to check all applicable local laws and codes as well.
One issue that is never a problem, but still possible, is the problem of prior appropriation, because it pertains to the rights of neighbors to water.
If you in some way collect an exorbitant amount of rainwater, your neighbors may give you the option to sue you for using an excessive amount of of “their” water or for obstructing their access to water to which they’re entitled.
This is most frequently the case with groundwater and smaller above-ground sources similar to streams and ponds.
What is the reply? Let common sense and kindness prevail. If you in some way prevent a lot rain from reaching the bottom that it causes an issue, change your procedures or reduce the quantity.
What does Pennsylvania allow residents to make use of rainwater for?
While the state government doesn’t specifically specify what residents can use harvested rainwater for, Pennsylvania generally encourages the gathering of rainwater for non-potable purposes.
Water harvested from rainwater harvesting systems might be effectively used for landscaping, gardening, irrigation, automotive or boat washing, and other non-drinking or bathing uses.
Homeowners who need to use harvested rainwater for drinking purposes should spend money on appropriate treatment and disinfection equipment.
Please also note that rainwater is probably not used for public drinking purposes at any time, either by an organization or by a non-public individual.
Does the state of Pennsylvania require special equipment or inspections for rainwater harvesting?
No, none. There aren’t any state requirements for required equipment or inspections for rainwater harvesting in Pennsylvania.
Again, residents might want to abide by local county and borough laws, if any.
Unlike another states, Pennsylvania won’t suffocate you with bureaucracy regarding the sort, style, material, or installation of your rain catcher system.
However, you might be required to abide by reasonable standards of non-harm: in case your system causes damage, injury or contamination to other water sources, natural or not, you might be held liable and will be prosecuted.
To prevent this unlucky end result, be sure that the gathering system is correctly designed and installed to stop contamination of collected water and other sources, as rainwater can carry contaminants and bacteria.
Best practice applies here: install a primary flush system to remove contaminants before water enters the storage container, and install check valves if the system is directly connected to household water.
It can also be essential to properly maintain the gathering system to stop contamination, so any accrued debris ought to be removed periodically.
Does Pennsylvania offer incentives to reap rainwater?
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania doesn’t offer any state-level incentives or rebates for rainwater harvesting that I could find.
The state is kind of captivated with encouraging residents to gather and use rain, but offers no actual monetary incentive.
If I were you, I might contact local utilities and municipalities as discounts on the monthly bill and even tax deductions are possible.
But remember: even without incentives, rainwater harvesting systems can still save a whole lot of water, and more importantly, they are going to function a disaster buffer.
Bottom line: Is Pennsylvania an excellent state for rainwater harvesting?
Pennsylvania is a terrific state for rainwater harvesting! There aren’t any state-level limits on the quantity of rainwater that might be harvested, making it easier and cheaper for residents to design and install systems that meet their needs.
There could also be some local regulations that will prove to be obstacles, but they have to be minor.
Plus, with an annual rainfall of around 30 to 50 inches a yr, you are sure to get a whole lot of use (and numerous water) out of your system, which greater than justifies the installation cost.
You cannot do higher than Pennsylvania in relation to harvesting rainwater!
