Virginia Statewide Rule
Virginia Rainwater Harvesting and Graywater Rules
Key Facts
- Board of Health regs
- Va. Code 32.1-248.2
- Plumbing authority
- USBC Section 36-97
- Outdoor capture
- Generally unrestricted
- State tax credit
- None currently
Summary
Virginia encourages rainwater harvesting and graywater reuse: outdoor rain-barrel collection is essentially unregulated, while the Board of Health sets standards for reuse systems and the building code governs any plumbing connections.
§ 32.1-248.2 . Use of rainwater and reuse of gray water; regulations. A. The Board shall adopt regulations regarding the use of gray water and rainwater. The regulations shall (i) describe the conditions under which gray water and rainwater may appropriately be used and for what purposes; (ii) include categories of gray water, such as types of used household water and used water from businesses, that are appropriate for reuse; and (iii) include a definition of gray water that excludes used toilet water. The regulations shall also provide standards for the use of rainwater harvesting systems, including systems that collect rainwater for use by commercial enterprises but do not provide water for human consumption, as defined in § 32.1-167 . Such regulations shall not apply to water not for human consumption, as defined in § 32.1-167 , including gray water and rainwater, that is produced and utilized by any facility that is permitted through a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit or General Virginia Pollution Abatement permit. B. The Department, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Quality, shall promote the use of rainwater and reuse of gray water as means to reduce fresh water consumption, ease demands on public treatment works and water supply systems, and promote conservation. C.
Full Breakdown
Va. Code Section 32.1-248.2 directs the Board of Health to adopt regulations on the use of rainwater and reuse of graywater, describing appropriate uses and standards for harvesting systems. Outdoor rain-barrel capture for non-potable uses such as irrigation is generally unrestricted statewide. Any plumbing connection, or indoor potable use, is governed by the Uniform Statewide Building Code (Section 36-97 et seq.), which preempts conflicting local rules. Virginia offers no current statewide rainwater-harvesting income tax credit.
Violations & Penalties
No state penalties for residential outdoor rainwater capture. Plumbing-code violations follow the USBC fine schedule, typically $100-$500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rainwater harvesting legal in Virginia?
Can a Virginia HOA ban rain barrels?
Sources
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