Kentucky imposes no state-level restriction on residential rainwater harvesting. Bowling Green has no ordinance prohibiting or restricting rain barrels or cisterns for residential use. Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Bowling Green's karst environment because every gallon captured is a gallon that does not enter the karst stormwater system carrying yard chemicals. The City's Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (§ 21-2 of the Code) treats rainwater harvesting as a credited stormwater BMP.
Kentucky has no statewide statute prohibiting rainwater collection — KY is among the most permissive states for rainwater harvesting. Bowling Green has no City ordinance limiting rain barrel size or use, and the Kentucky Plumbing Code (815 KAR 20:191) governs only any indoor potable plumbing connections (which most residential rain barrels avoid). Bowling Green's Stormwater Management program (Code Chapter XXI § 21-2, adopted December 2004, KYG20 NPDES Phase II permit) actively promotes rainwater harvesting as a stormwater BMP — captured rain is rain that does not transport pesticides, fertilizers, oils, and sediment into the karst aquifer via sinkholes and underground streams. The City's Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (September 2011) recognizes harvesting/reuse systems for stormwater quality credit. Residents can use captured water for landscape irrigation without permits. Mosquito control screens and overflow paths are recommended.
No City code violations for rainwater harvesting at residential scale. Indoor plumbing connections (e.g., toilet flushing, washing machines) must comply with the Kentucky Plumbing Code and may require a plumbing permit through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC). Cisterns above certain volumes near structures may trigger building permit requirements under the Kentucky Building Code (KRS 198B).
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