Collecting rainwater is among the absolute best things you can do if you want to ensure your off-grid water supply. Civil water infrastructure is constantly vulnerable to being knocked offline or ending up being contaminated in the after-effects of numerous disasters; even well water isn’t a safe bet even with backup generators.
But rain capturing systems can supply you with dozens, hundreds or perhaps countless gallons of water throughout rainy weather.
But, surprisingly, rain collection is managed in some states, even absolutely limited. Let’s take a look at Massachusetts. Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Massachusetts?
No, it isn’t unlawful to collect rainwater in Massachusetts. There are no statewide policies against the practice, and the state government broadly encourages citizens to engage in conservation of water and other resources. Regional laws and codes might be a problem in some areas, however.
Somewhat surprisingly from a state that is more in love with big federal government than a lot of, Massachusetts has not yet seen fit to institute rules and regs versus rainwater harvesting at the state level.
However, local laws might prove to be substantially more limiting, particularly if you reside in the more populated cities or counties.
There’s plenty more to consider, however I will tell you everything you need to keep in mind listed below …
Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the State Level in Massachusetts?
No, happily. The state of Massachusetts has instituted no statewide guidelines, guidelines or codes worrying the civilian practice of rainwater collection. This means that generally the state will stay out of your method regarding the matter.
Nevertheless, any citizens of Massachusetts that wish to collect their own rainwater will still need to do so while obeying all other related laws and codes on the matter.
To be more specific, what you do with your water and how you get rid of it will still go through all other state laws.
Even if you’re collecting rain that falls on your residential or commercial property, and doing it correctly and safely, you need to still respect the water rights of your next-door neighbors and any other potentially impacted claims in the area.
Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the County Level?
No. I found no single County in Massachusetts that clearly forbids homeowners from gathering rainwater.
But, it is at the local level, be it county, city or otherwise, where you’re more than likely to encounter legal hoops that require jumping through if you wish to install your system.
You’ll usually require to comply with all pertinent structure and pipes codes, and potentially regional laws worrying just how much water you can have on hand at any one time, how you keep it, and other comparable elements.
Remember: just because the collection of rainwater is not unlawful and broadly permissible at the state level that does not imply you won’t have to adhere to regional laws on the matter!
Under What Conditions Can People Collect Rainwater in Massachusetts?
The State of Massachusetts permits people to gather rainwater or whenever they desire so long as it is being collected legally.
Simply put, so long as you aren’t breaking any other state or regional laws if it is raining you can be collecting!
That stated, as discussed above it is imperative that you always respect the water rights of your neighbors and anyone else in the location when you are gathering rainwater.
Although it is highly unlikely that your collection of water would affect the rights or claim of someone else, unless you’re collecting truly big amounts of water, it is something to remember.
If your collection of rainwater can be provably shown to deteriorate or decrease the quantity of water in above ground sources like streams, creeks or ponds it is possible that you might be taken legal action against and forced to stop or change your practices.
Exists a Limitation on Just How Much Rainwater You Can Gather in Massachusetts?
No, not at the state level. Although the state federal government enforces no limitations on the amount of water you can gather at any given time, over a length of time, or the number of overall containers or net capacity you can have, your local government just may.
Do be sure to check in with the pertinent city and county authorities before you commit to a purchase for a particular number or size of tanks.
What Does Massachusetts Enable People to Utilize Rainwater For?
The State Federal government of Massachusetts permits residents to use caught rainwater for any legal purpose, however practically speaking, you’ll just have the ability to use your rainwater in the state for non-potable functions.
Non-potable functions consist of things like flushing toilet components, irrigating gardens or crops, washing your home, cleaning your automobile or boat, and so on.
Although rainwater can be an excellent source of emergency drinking water when the chips are down, it isn’t almost as a clean as you’re probably believing and it state and local health codes will probably prevent you from consuming it lawfully.
This is since rainwater that touches your roofing system, other catchment surface, seamless gutters and so forth is going to be full of possibly harmful contaminants, consisting of dead bugs and animal droppings, which can spread disease.
This is why a lot of regional health codes set up such rigorous regulations concerning pipes connections of rainwater catchment systems with other water supplies. They absolutely don’t want your rainwater contaminating cleansed drinking water sources!
If you do intend on utilizing your rainwater as drinking water, you’ll need to go above and beyond to set up proper filtration and purification method, and ensure it fulfills the pertinent regional requirements for doing so.
Does Massachusetts Require Unique Equipment or Inspection for Rainwater Collection?
No. The Massachusetts State Government does not regulate any particular kind of system, approach of setup or other relevant devices requirements for rainwater collection.
Once again, you will probably require to comply with regional building and plumbing codes, to include allowing in some areas, if you wish to set up a legal system.
Like I said above, it is critical that you do your own research before you commit to the purchase much less the installation of a system. If your system is illegal, you could be required to eliminate it or stop using it.
Does Massachusetts Deal Rewards for Rainwater Collection?
Yes. There is a legislation to promote water conservation through making use of a tax credits, see H. 2632, and likewise a variety of other complimentary rewards promoting using low water utilize components and appliances in the home through the Ipswich River Watershed Project.
Bottom Line: Is Massachusetts an Excellent State for Rainwater Collection?
Yes, I believe so! Massachusetts is a surprisingly excellent state for rainwater collection, especially thinking about that in many areas of life the state government is definitely bonkers about being intrusive into people’ lives and restrictive of rights over all.
That being said, the state truly will not get in your way worrying rainwater collection, and citizens only require to concern themselves with local county and city laws, and codes covering the practice.
This is made nicer by the all set schedule of tax credits and numerous other incentives for water conservation, and likewise by the fact that Massachusetts gets a lot of rain every year, balancing about 49 inches worth.
This makes the needed investment in a rain catching system something of a certainty considering your return on it … All in all, not a bad state to be in if you wish to start gathering rainwater!