Arkansas Rainwater Harvesting Statewide Rules

Arkansas Code Annotated 17-38-201 directs the State Board of Health to allow harvested rainwater systems used for non-potable purposes statewide. To qualify, a system must be designed by a professional engineer licensed in Arkansas, include appropriate cross-connection safeguards preventing contamination of potable water, and comply with the Arkansas Plumbing Code. Simple outdoor rain barrels and cisterns used to water lawns and gardens generally face no statutory restrictions, provided they are not connected to a potable water source. The statute applies uniformly across Arkansas, with no individual city regulations contradicting these baseline standards.

Improperly installed systems lacking engineer certification or cross-connection protection violate the Arkansas Plumbing Code and may be ordered disconnected by health officials.