Is it legal to collect rainwater in Georgia?

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)- With mild droughts taking place all around Georgia, collecting rainwater when it does come through may sound appealing, but is it legal?

In Georgia, it is legal to harvest rainwater if it is for outdoor use only.

This means that harvested rainwater can be used unregulated for watering gardens and plants but can’t be used for drinking water. This is due to the common use of rooftops and gutters for collecting rainwater, which could have bacteria from animal feces or other contaminants present and could be very harmful if consumed without proper filtration.

Though the state code allows for collection, some counties can have additional codes and standards for collection. This could involve the rain barrel that is used, the filtration or the amount that can be collected.

In unincorporated Chatham County, there is no ordinance regarding how rain barrels are used. However, according to Jefferson Kirkland, the Environmental Program Manager for Chatham County, the Stormwater Management Ordnance does regulate rainwater collection in some ways.

For example, rain barrels are only allowed on private property, and it also must be enclosed with something like a mesh covering to prevent it from becoming a mosquito hotspot. If the collected rainwater becomes contaminated, it can’t be discharged into a county-owned stormwater conveyance such as a drainage system.

Collecting rainwater can be a low-cost and effective way to water gardens, plants or lawns since around 30% of the average U.S. family’s water usage is for outdoor use, according to the State of Georgia’s Adopt-A-Stream website.

It can also help improve local water quality since heavy rainfall in urban areas allows for pollutants to enter waterways from sidewalks and roofs.