If you might be concerned in any way about preparing for disasters and hard times, you already understand how vital it’s to have a big supply of water readily available in case it becomes contaminated or your usual supplies are disrupted.
The best approach to get this supply, and quickly, is to make use of rainwater harvesting systems. This is an old technique that’s becoming popular again across the country.
Surprisingly, or perhaps not surprisingly as things go, some states have the audacity to manage this practice and even make it illegal under certain circumstances!
Or perhaps Oklahoma? Is rainwater harvesting illegal in Oklahoma?
No, collecting rainwater in Oklahoma shouldn’t be illegal. The state encourages residents to gather rainwater and reuse it under an initiative signed into law HB3055. There are only a few restrictions on the implementation of personal rain catchers.
The excellent news is that Oklahoma appears to be pondering ahead in relation to making one of the best use of natural water resources to assist the environment, help residents, and forestall waste usually.
The higher news is that they do not force you to participate and do not get in your way with plenty of crappy bureaucratic rules and laws.
If you reside in Oklahoma and wish to begin collecting rainwater, read on and I’ll inform you what you could know.
Is rainwater harvesting illegal on the state level in Oklahoma?
No, rainwater harvesting shouldn’t be illegal on the state level in Oklahoma, and in reality, it’s one state that strongly encourages residents to gather rainwater!
This is an element of what Oklahoma calls the 2060 Initiative as a approach to conserve water resources and reduce strain on city water supplies. They take it so seriously that they signed a bill HB3055.
But don’t be concerned: the law only applies to facilitating ventures across the state and allocating funds to varied related programs.
It really won’t trouble you, and in some ways makes it easier for homeowners to implement their very own rainwater drainage systems.
HB3055, also referred to as the Water for 2060 Act, is a bit of laws designed to advertise water conservation and sustainability by facilitating the usage of rainwater for specific purposes and protecting all other water sources.
This laws is vital since it helps promote sustainable water use throughout Oklahoma, a state where water scarcity generally is a problem, especially in periods of drought.
A giant a part of this initiative is to enable and encourage residents to gather and use rainwater. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has all of them information you might want.
Is rainwater harvesting illegal on the county level?
Yes. But while the state allows homeowners to gather rainwater outright, and no county outright bans it, some counties can have more specific laws on how it will probably be done.
For common examples of county-level regulations, some may require homeowners to acquire constructing or installation permits or follow certain guidelines for installation, materials, use, and maintenance.
Before you purchase or install any rainwater harvesting system, even some barrels and gutters, remember to check along with your county or municipality to see if there are any specific regulations!
Even though the state gang-ho on the usage of rainwater, you have to still comply with all applicable rainwater laws and regulations on the local level.
Under what conditions can residents collect rainwater in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma residents may harvest rainwater at any time for non-potable uses, including irrigation, automobile washing, and other outdoor tasks, in addition to indoor uses corresponding to flushing toilets.
They may use the harvested water to scrub clothes, although some health department guidelines may specify that rainwater must first be properly filtered or treated.
In addition, while there isn’t a specific law prohibiting the usage of rainwater privately for drinking purposes, it mustn’t ever be used for any public drinking purpose either as a person or as a business.
In addition, health department guidelines and native regulations may specifically prohibit the usage of rainwater for drinking, even after treatment.
Is there a limit to the quantity of rainwater that may be collected in Oklahoma?
NO. There isn’t any set limit to the quantity of rainwater a non-public citizen can collect in Oklahoma.
However, take into account that again, it might vary depending on the county or borough where you reside.
Local authorities may impose restrictions during times of drought or when other water sources are depleted.
One thing more to take into account is that assuming you collect really huge amounts of rainwater, you might potentially affect the water rights of neighboring property owners!
While highly unlikely in just about all settings, keep this in mind because it could prove to be an amazing approach to sue!
In short, obey any local emergency declarations, be mindful of your neighbors and collect as much rain as you would like in OK.
What does Oklahoma allow residents to make use of rainwater for?
Oklahoma generally permits its residents to make use of rainwater for a wide range of non-potable purposes and outdoor work, some indoor uses, agricultural, and other purposes.
There aren’t any state laws explicitly covering the use or prohibition of the usage of rainwater for specific purposes, but your specific use case will still have to comply with other relevant state and native laws e.g. health codes etc.
Does the state of Oklahoma require special equipment or inspections for rainwater harvesting?
No, the state of Oklahoma doesn’t require any special equipment or inspection of rainwater harvesting systems utilized by private residents.
However, the state actually commissioned some detailed guides help people make good decisions and construct practical, effective and low-cost systems.
Please note that residents wishing to put in a rainwater harvesting system will likely have to be sure that it meets the necessities local sanitary regulations and standard safety requirements, corresponding to securing collection tanks and proper runoff management.
Different counties or municipalities can have fundamentally different guidelines for rainwater harvesting systems, including reservoir sizes and locations (particularly in residential areas).
Consult your local authority and/or HOA before planning and choosing a system in your property. At least you will not must worry concerning the state government!
Does Oklahoma offer rainwater harvesting incentives?
Oddly enough, and unfortunately, Oklahoma doesn’t offer any incentives or discounts for rainwater harvesting systems. Funny considering how enthusiastic they’re concerning the 2060 plan…
The state strongly encourages its residents to gather rainwater, but that is about it.
However, it is feasible that local suppliers or governments may provide financial assistance or other incentives to homeowners who install rainwater harvesting systems.
Bottom line: Is Oklahoma a great state for people considering rainwater harvesting?
Yes, great time! Oklahoma may be an amazing state for anyone seeking to install a rainwater harvesting system, especially on account of its strong support for the practice and lack of state-level obstacles.
Oklahoma has almost no laws regarding rainwater harvesting and use, which is a relief for anyone wanting to put in their very own.
Depending on where you reside, you’ll have to cope with local permitting and inspection crap, however the apparent lack of discuss it tells me it isn’t an enormous deal.
More importantly for us, Oklahoma has a comparatively high annual rainfall, especially within the eastern a part of the state. According to NOAA, the common annual precipitation in Oklahoma varies from about 20 to 50 inches, depending on the region.
This implies that in lots of regions of the state you may earn a whole lot or 1000’s of gallons a month from rain alone! The lack of economic advantages is the one blemish on an otherwise excellent Catching Rain report card.
