Start saving money and learn how to harvest rainwater in the Lone Star State. Many save rainwater for a free and simple option to water the lawn and plants. It sounds like a great method of being resourceful, but is collecting rainwater illegal in Texas?
Texas residents may be intrigued by the idea of collecting rainwater, until you start to question the legality. Of course, there is no simple answer to this question. Laws and legislation share that Texas is only one of two states, the other being Ohio, that pays strict attention to the collection of rainwater.
There are several laws that regulate the harvesting of rainwater in Texas. Each county has the authority to determine how to handle this in their area.
Some of these counties have adopted laws that don't allow rainwater to be distributed or used for drinking. Others ensure that rainwater that is stored in plastic containers is free of unsafe chemicals that seep into the ground.
On the other hand, some counties encourage collecting rainwater in Texas. You may be able to purchase rain harvesting equipment and bypass the sales tax. Some homeowner associations also don't have the power to prohibit collecting.
There are a few states in the Western United States where rain harvesting is outlawed entirely. The motivation for this was mainly due to rainwater getting into water sources.
Rivers with landowners would process legal claims for ownership of the water sources. This goes back to gold miners who sought entitlement to all water sources that could have gold flowing through them.
Going even further back in history is the process of rainwater harvesting. Ancient Romans with wealth would collect rainwater for their atriums with pools. The pools collected rainwater to help fulfill Rome's water supply.
Now in the US, rainwater is harvested from roofs and storage tanks. The water is later dispersed to areas who experience drought and to supplement for dry seasons.
Since rainwater collection laws vary by the county in Texas, you can contact your government. You can even ask your landscaper.
Most landscapers have to be familiar with the regulations in order to legally install waterfalls, pools, and other structures that may collect rain. Ask your contractor about your County's specific laws and find out if you can also take advantage of rainwater harvesting.
The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting is another great resource for rainwater laws. You can get a deeper sense of the components that go into rainwater harvesting. This also gives useful information on municipal incentives.
Collecting rainwater can lead to many benefits for your land and your entire country. It's crucial to first ask yourself this important question - Is collecting rainwater illegal in your county in Texas? You could find that there are actually incentives for collecting.
You can even design your landscape to take advantage of maximum rainwater conservancy. Get quality landscaping and learn about rainwater regulations with Colourscape's landscape contractors.