North Carolina Statewide Rule
North Carolina Rainwater Harvesting State Law
Key Facts
- Statute
- N.C.G.S. 143-355.5
- Outdoor Use
- Permitted statewide
- Indoor Potable
- Plumbing code applies
- Backflow Required
- For potable use
Summary
North Carolina makes water reuse, including captured rainwater, official state policy, and residential rain barrels used for outdoor irrigation are permitted statewide without a state permit.
No city ordinance may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the installation and maintenance of cisterns and rain barrel collection systems used to collect water for irrigation purposes. A city may regulate the installation and maintenance of those cisterns and rain barrel collection systems for the purpose of protecting the public health and safety and for the purpose of preventing them from becoming a public nuisance.
Full Breakdown
N.C. Gen. Stat. 143-355.5 declares water reuse, including the use of gray water and captured rainwater, critical to meeting the state's water supply needs and directs state agencies to promote and facilitate it. Residential rainwater capture for outdoor irrigation is permitted statewide without a state permit. Use of harvested rainwater for indoor potable purposes is regulated under the state plumbing code and requires backflow prevention. No North Carolina city prohibits residential rain barrels, and local rules focus on practical safety matters like cistern installation and plumbing connections.
Violations & Penalties
Improperly cross-connected systems can result in plumbing code violations and fines through local building inspectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a rain barrel in North Carolina?
Can my city ban rainwater harvesting?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.