In Rhode Island, rainwater belongs to the property owner who collects it from their roof, as there are no state laws claiming public ownership or prohibiting harvesting for non-potable uses like irrigation. The state’s plumbing code permits collection only from above-ground impervious roof surfaces made of approved materials, with no permits required for simple systems like rain barrels.​
Conservation Incentives
Rhode Island actively promotes rainwater harvesting through the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) as a stormwater management tool to reduce runoff pollution and support green infrastructure. Local rules under stormwater guidelines (250-RICR-150-10-8) encourage systems in residential and commercial settings, often with design standards for larger installations to prevent contamination.​
Usage Limits
Harvested rainwater is restricted to non-potable applications; indoor potable use requires additional treatment and compliance with health codes. Homeowners’ associations may impose aesthetic or placement rules, but statewide, systems up to typical rain barrel capacities face no capacity caps or fees.​
No water rights permits are needed, making Rhode Island one of the most permissive states for private rainwater capture and conservation.
SOURCES
[1](https://worldwaterreserve.com/is-it-illegal-to-collect-rainwater/)
[2](https://www.ntotank.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws-regulations-and-rights-by-us-state)
[3](https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1530432)
[4](https://rainwaterequipment.com/blog/is-rainwater-harvesting-illegal/)
[5](https://4perfectwater.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws)
