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Kansas Statewide Rule

Kansas Rainwater Harvesting Allowed Statewide

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kansas (2026)

Key Facts

Rooftop collection
Allowed without permit
Common uses
Irrigation, livestock
Stream diversion
Permit required
Indoor reuse
Plumbing code applies
Regulating agency
KDA-DWR
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Kansas Legislature

Summary

Kansas permits rainwater harvesting on private property without state-level restrictions. The Kansas Water Appropriation Act exempts captured rainwater from water-right permitting when collected from impervious surfaces for on-site, non-potable use, making collection broadly legal across the state.

(a) Except for the appropriation of water for the purpose of domestic use, the production and return of salt water in connection with the operation of oil and gas wells in accordance with the written approval granted therefor by the Kansas corporation commission pursuant to K.S.A. 55-901, and amendments thereto, the withdrawal and use of water in accordance with provisions of K.S.A. 82a-1313, and amendments thereto, and the annual diversion and beneficial use of not more than 15 acre feet of surface water impounded in any reservoir having a total water volume of less than 15 acre feet, it shall be unlawful for any person to appropriate or threaten to appropriate water from any source without first applying for and obtaining a permit to appropriate water in accordance with the provisions of chapter 7 of article 82a of the Kansas Statutes Annotated and acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto or, for any person to violate any condition of a vested right, appropriation right or an approved application for a permit to appropriate water for beneficial use.

Source: Kansas LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources, has long interpreted the Water Appropriation Act (K.S.A. 82a-701 et seq.) to exclude rainwater collected from rooftops and impervious surfaces from the definition of regulated 'water of the state.' Property owners may install rain barrels, cisterns, and larger harvesting systems for landscape irrigation, gardening, livestock, and other non-potable uses without water-right permits. Diversion of natural watercourses or surface flows still requires appropriation permits. Local plumbing and building codes may govern indoor connections, especially when systems are plumbed for potable or non-potable indoor reuse.

Violations & Penalties

Improper diversion of streams or surface water without permits violates K.S.A. 82a-705, with penalties including injunction and civil fines. Properly installed rooftop systems generally face no enforcement risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas allows rooftop and impervious surface rainwater collection for non-potable on-site use without a water appropriation permit from the Division of Water Resources.
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Kansas?
No state water permit is required for typical rain barrels collecting rooftop runoff. Local building or plumbing permits may apply for larger cisterns or indoor plumbing.
Can I use harvested rainwater for drinking?
Potable indoor use must comply with Kansas plumbing codes and KDHE drinking water rules, including treatment, backflow prevention, and separation from public water supplies.

Sources

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