Hawaii Statewide Rule

Hawaii Rainwater Catchment: State Lead-and-Copper Testing (HRS 340E-4.8)

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Hawaii (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: HRS §340E-4.8
Enforcing agency: Hawaii Department of Health
Annual test fee: $25 per household
Contaminants tested: Lead and copper
Program type: Voluntary, nonregulatory

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Hawaii's Department of Health runs a statewide program under HRS §340E-4.8 that tests residential rainwater catchment water each year for lead and copper for a $25 household fee, and provides free technical assistance to improve catchment water quality.

(a) The department shall establish a program to conduct annual testing of water from water catchment systems for lead and copper. [...] (c) The department shall establish a nonregulatory program that provides technical assistance to any resident residing in a legal dwelling which relies on a water catchment system for the resident's water needs for the purpose of improving water quality in that system.

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Full Breakdown

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §340E-4.8, the state Department of Health must run an annual program testing water from residential catchment systems for lead and copper. Any resident living in a legal dwelling that relies on catchment for their water may enroll; the household pays $25 per year and the department covers the rest of the analysis cost. The statute also directs a separate nonregulatory technical-assistance program that recommends affordable, system-specific ways to improve catchment water quality. Hawaii does not ban or license routine residential rainwater harvesting, so this program supports catchment users rather than restricting them.

Violations & Penalties

There are no fines under this section; the testing and assistance programs are voluntary and nonregulatory. Skipping the test carries no penalty, but the Department of Health warns that untreated catchment water is unsafe to drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is collecting rainwater legal in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii permits and encourages residential rainwater catchment, with no statewide ban or license for routine home systems. HRS §340E-4.8 offers voluntary testing and help, not restrictions.

How much does the state catchment water test cost?

$25 per household per year under HRS §340E-4.8. The Department of Health covers the remaining cost of analyzing the sample for lead and copper.

Can I drink my catchment water?

The Department of Health advises against using untreated catchment water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. The §340E-4.8 assistance program helps residents improve their water quality.

Sources

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