Arkansas Statewide Rule
Arkansas Rainwater Harvesting Statewide Rules
Key Facts
- Statute
- Ark. Code 17-38-201
- Use
- Non-potable only
- Engineer required
- For plumbed systems
- Outdoor barrels
- Generally unrestricted
Summary
Arkansas allows rainwater harvesting statewide for non-potable purposes under Arkansas Code 17-38-201. Systems must be designed by a licensed engineer, include cross-connection safeguards, and comply with the Arkansas Plumbing Code.
(g) The State Board of Health shall allow the use of a harvested rainwater system used for a nonpotable purpose if the harvested rainwater system: (1) Is designed by a professional engineer licensed in Arkansas; (2) Is designed with appropriate cross-connection safeguards; and (3) Complies with the state plumbing code.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
Improperly installed systems lacking engineer certification or cross-connection protection violate the Arkansas Plumbing Code and may be ordered disconnected by health officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect rainwater in a barrel in Arkansas?
Can harvested rainwater be used for drinking?
Sources
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