Tennessee Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Key Facts

State permit: Not required residential
Use: Non-potable encouraged
Plumbing tie-in: Code compliance required
Promoted by: TDEC conservation programs

Full Breakdown

Tennessee does not regulate or restrict residential rainwater harvesting at the state level. Under common law and the absence of contrary statute, property owners may collect rooftop runoff for non-potable uses such as irrigation, gardening, and outdoor cleaning. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation actively promotes rainwater harvesting through its water conservation outreach. Systems that connect to plumbing supplying potable fixtures must comply with the Tennessee State Plumbing Code, which incorporates IPC requirements for cross-connection control. Larger non-residential systems may need a stormwater discharge consideration but routine rain barrels are unregulated.

Violations & Penalties

Non-permitted residential rain barrels carry no penalty; cross-connection violations to potable plumbing can trigger plumbing code citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is collecting rainwater legal in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee imposes no state restriction on residential rainwater harvesting. Homeowners may install rain barrels and cisterns for non-potable uses without permits or registration.

Can I drink harvested rainwater?

Indoor potable use requires plumbing code compliance, including filtration, disinfection, and cross-connection prevention under the Tennessee State Plumbing Code adopted by the State Fire Marshal.

Tennessee Rainwater Harvesting Allowed Statewide