Virginia Statewide Rule

Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Tax Credit Program

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Virginia (2026)

Virginia statute encourages rainwater harvesting and graywater reuse, providing income tax credits and exempting most residential systems from plumbing-permit complexity, applied uniformly statewide.

Key Facts

Tax credit statute: § 58.1-439.12:04
Health regulations: § 32.1-248.2
Plumbing authority: USBC § 36-97
Outdoor capture: Generally unrestricted

Source: Virginia Legislative Information System

Full Breakdown

Va. Code § 58.1-439.12:04 created an income tax credit (now expired but referenced in pending legislation) for rainwater harvesting equipment. Va. Code § 32.1-248.2 directs the Board of Health to adopt regulations promoting alternative water source systems including rainwater. The Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) governs any plumbing connections, preempting local rules that would prohibit residential rainwater collection for outdoor non-potable use.

Violations & Penalties

No state penalties for residential outdoor rainwater capture. Plumbing code violations follow USBC fine schedule, typically $100-$500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia explicitly encourages rainwater capture. Outdoor barrel collection for irrigation is unregulated, while indoor potable use must meet Board of Health and USBC plumbing standards.

Can a Virginia HOA ban rain barrels?

HOAs may impose aesthetic restrictions, but no state statute preempts HOA rules. Local zoning generally does not prohibit rain barrels for residential outdoor use.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia explicitly encourages rainwater capture. Outdoor barrel collection for irrigation is unregulated, while indoor potable use must meet Board of Health and USBC plumbing standards.

Can a Virginia HOA ban rain barrels?

HOAs may impose aesthetic restrictions, but no state statute preempts HOA rules. Local zoning generally does not prohibit rain barrels for residential outdoor use.