South Carolina Rainwater Harvesting Legal Framework

South Carolina has no statewide statute prohibiting or restricting residential rainwater harvesting. The state's water rights system generally allows landowners to capture rainfall on their property. SCDHEC regulates potable water connections and cross-connection control under the State Safe Drinking Water Act if harvested water connects to a public supply. Larger commercial systems or those used for indoor potable purposes must comply with the SC Plumbing Code and any cross-connection requirements. Local governments may add stormwater or building permit conditions, but residential rain barrels remain broadly permitted.

Improper cross-connections between harvested rainwater and potable supplies violate SCDHEC regulations and can result in disconnection orders, civil penalties, or required backflow prevention installation.