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Virginia Statewide Rule

Virginia Rainwater Harvesting and Graywater Rules

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Virginia (2026)

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.

Source: Virginia Legislative Information SystemView official code

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?
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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