Rainwater catchment is legal and common on the Big Island — many Puna and off-grid homes rely on it. The County Department of Water Supply does not recognize or regulate catchment, and no county permit is required for a private system.
The Big Island has the highest catchment reliance in Hawai'i; whole subdivisions in Puna (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland, Leilani Estates) run on rainwater. The Department of Water Supply states plainly that 'the Department of Water Supply (DWS) does not recognize nor regulate Rainwater Catchment,' and the state Department of Health does not regulate catchment systems on individual homes. So there is no county permit for a private catchment tank. The state DOH and University of Hawai'i (CTAHR) instead publish voluntary Guidelines for design, maintenance, and testing so catchment water is safe for household use. Building-permit rules still apply to the tank's structure/plumbing.
No penalty for having catchment — it is unregulated. Owners simply bear responsibility for water quality; follow DOH/CTAHR guidelines for safe use.
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See how Hawaii County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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