Kentucky follows the riparian doctrine for water rights, granting landowners control over diffused surface water like rainwater that falls on their property. This means property owners generally own the rainwater they collect, with no statewide permit required for harvesting. Recent laws emphasize conservation amid pollution concerns, but rainwater use remains unrestricted for most purposes.​
Rainwater Ownership
Diffused surface water, including rainwater flowing vagrantly over the ground, belongs to the landowner where it falls under KRS 151.120, excluding it from “public water” classification. Landowners hold riparian rights for reasonable use without permits for domestic or agricultural applications, though percolating groundwater follows similar rules. No federal or state bans apply, unlike stricter prior appropriation states.​
Harvesting Regulations
Rainwater harvesting lacks specific statewide codes or capacity limits, allowing rooftop collection for irrigation, livestock, or non-potable uses freely. Local authorities may require plumbing compliance for systems, including filtration, overflow pipes, and inspections if connected indoors. Agricultural programs like the On-Farm Water Management Program promote it as conservation.​
Conservation Efforts
The Energy and Environment Cabinet provides resources like tip sheets for home, yard, and office conservation, plus drought tools and mapping. Programs encourage rainwater for farms and nature-based solutions, amid 2025 pollution debates narrowing “waters of the commonwealth” protections. No recent changes restrict harvesting, focusing instead on pollution prevention.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.ntotank.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws-regulations-and-rights-by-us-state)
[2](https://pioneerwatertanksamerica.com/is-it-illegal-to-collect-rainwater-in-your-state/)
[3](https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1112&context=kwrri_reports)
[4](https://4perfectwater.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws)
[5](https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-26/rs-26-307/)
