Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Rainwater Harvesting Tax Credit Statute

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island encourages rainwater harvesting statewide via R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-9.6, granting municipalities authority to offer property tax exemptions for residential cisterns, with no state prohibitions on collection.

Key Facts

Tax Statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-9.6
Permit Required: No (rain barrels)
Potable Use: DOH regulated
Water Rights Limit: None
Plumbing Code: R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20

Source: Rhode Island General Assembly

Full Breakdown

Rhode Island law explicitly authorizes residential rainwater harvesting and allows each municipality to grant a property tax exemption for cisterns under R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-3-9.6. The state imposes no permit requirement on small residential rain barrels and does not regulate roof-runoff capture for non-potable use. The Department of Health (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1) regulates potable use systems requiring cross-connection control. Plumbing connections to interior systems must comply with the State Plumbing Code (§ 5-20). Unlike some western states, Rhode Island has no surface-water rights restrictions on rooftop rainwater capture.

Violations & Penalties

There are no statewide penalties for residential rainwater harvesting; improper plumbing cross-connections to potable supplies violate the State Plumbing Code and can carry fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island has no restrictions on residential rainwater collection and offers municipal property tax exemptions under § 44-3-9.6 to encourage cistern installation.

Can I drink harvested rainwater?

Only if your system meets Department of Health potable water standards, including filtration, disinfection, and cross-connection control. Most homeowners use captured water for irrigation only.

Sources

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