Georgia Allows Rainwater Harvesting for Outdoor Use

Georgia adopted amendments to the International Plumbing Code that recognize rainwater harvesting as a permissible water source for outdoor irrigation and non-potable indoor uses such as toilet flushing, subject to backflow prevention and labeling requirements. The Department of Community Affairs administers the state minimum standard codes, which apply uniformly across Georgia. Local governments may regulate installation and inspection but cannot ban rainwater capture for residential outdoor use.

Improperly installed systems lacking required backflow prevention or cross-connection controls may be cited by local plumbing inspectors with corrective orders and reinspection fees.