According to the Texas Administrative Code, "Rainwater harvesting is the capture, storage, and use of rainwater for a suitable purpose". [13]Rainwater is practically neutral in terms of pH, and lacks sodium and hardness. [1] "Harvesting rainwater not only reduces demand on traditional water supplies, but it can provide water in areas without access to a conventional water supply system''. [1] The best part is that rainwater is free! [1] Texas promotes rainwater harvesting and has implemented laws to protect the rights of those who elect to do so.
What are the rainwater harvesting standards for Texas?
There is no national standard for the harvesting of rainwater, but there are some standards at the state and local levels. Texas has several laws in place for rainwater harvesting. The Texas Property Code "prevents a homeowner’s association from prohibiting the use of rainwater harvesting systems; however, it allows homeowner's associations to require screening or shielding to obscure view of the tanks". [10]The Texas Finance Code allows financial institutions to consider making loans for developments that will use harvested rainwater as the sole source of water supply. [9]The Texas Health and Safety Code allows the potable use of rainwater indoors for public buildings that utilize a public water supply. It states that:
"The commission shall establish recommended standards relating to the domestic use of harvested rainwater, including health and safety standards for treatment and collection methods of harvested rainwater intended for drinking, cooking, or bathing". [15]
"A person who installs and maintains rainwater harvesting systems that are connected to a public water supply system and are used for potable purposes must be licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners as a master plumber or journeyman plumber and hold an endorsement issued by the board as a water supply protection specialist". [15]
"A person who intends to connect a rainwater harvesting system to a public water supply system for use for potable purposes must give written notice of that intention to the municipality in which the rainwater harvesting system is located or the owner or operator of the public water supply system before connecting the rainwater harvesting system to the public water supply system". [15]
What are the City of Houston regulations for rainwater harvesting?
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires that harvested rainwater be non-potable for its intended uses. The quality and treatment for this water must meet the standards for and be approved by TCEQ. [33] Section 1601.3 of the Houston Amendments to the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code, states that it is unlawful for anyone to build (or change their current water system) to an alternate system without the proper permit; however, rainwater harvesting systems are an exception to this rule. [7] The exceptions are that: the system must be used for outdoor irrigation on the exterior of the home with a maximum capacity to store 360 gallons (1363 L), and single family residences must have all outlets, piping, and system components outside the home. [7] Permits for electrical connections, tank supports, or enclosures are not exempt. [7]
What is required of the owners of rainwater harvesting systems?
After the initial installation of rainwater harvesting systems, the owner must: inspect pumps, valves, pressure tanks, storage tanks, locking devices, caution labels and markings, and overal operation every 12 months; inspect and test cross-connections every 12 months; and inspect, clean, and replace (if necessary) filters and screens every three months. [7] Homeowners and businessowners alike must keep a maintenance record for the use of rainwater harvesting systems that logs all tests, inspections, and maintenance needed. [7] The owner must also keep an operation and maintenance manual containing the following: a detailed diagram of the system and its components; directions for operating and maintaining system; information on water quality requirements of the city, county, and/or state; instructions for the deactivation of the system; frequencies of testing, inspection, and maintenance for the system, and the system manufacturer's contact information. [7] Owners are required to adhere to the TCEQ standards for water quality. However, water treatment is not required for rainwater harvesting systems used for aboveground irrigation (maximum storage of 360 gal/1363 L), subsurface, or drip irrigation. [7]
Are there any incentives for harvesting rainwater?
"The Texas Legislature allows the exemption of part or all of the assessed value of the property on which approved water conservation initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting, are made". [12] County appraisal districts offer guidance on exemption from county property taxes for individuals planning to install rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, the Texas Tax Code exempts rainwater harvesting equipment and supplies from state sales tax. [13]There is no state income tax, but some municipalities, local water providers, and counties also offer rebates and financial incentives to promote rainwater harvesting as part of their water conservation initiatives. [13] Texas also has a competition and recognition program that promotes technology, educates the public, and recognizes excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems called the Texas Rain Catcher Award [11].