Before installing any system, homeowners should check the rules that apply to their state, county, or city and consider the size, location, plumbing connections, and intended use of the system. Requirements can change, and regulations that apply to one property may not necessarily apply to another.
For most homeowners, collecting a reasonable amount of roof runoff in a properly maintained barrel is a simple way to make use of rain that would otherwise become runoff. The safest approach is to keep the system appropriately sized, prevent contamination, manage overflow carefully, and verify local requirements before installing a larger or more complex setup.
Rainwater collection does not automatically mean that a homeowner is violating water laws. In many situations, it is simply a practical conservation method. The important factor is knowing where the boundaries are and making sure the collection system follows the rules that apply to the property and its intended use.
