In Louisiana, rainwater belongs to the property owner who collects it from their own roof or land, as harvesting is legal statewide with no ownership restrictions akin to those in prior appropriation states. State waters like bayous, rivers, streams, lagoons, lakes, and bays are owned by the state, but harvested rainwater does not fall under this category.​
Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Rainwater collection containers, such as barrels or cisterns, must be secured, sealed, and screened to prevent mosquito breeding and pest access, per Louisiana Administrative Code requirements. Underground cisterns qualify as compliant if properly installed, and no permits are typically needed for residential outdoor non-potable uses like irrigation.​
Water Rights Framework
Louisiana follows riparian rights for surface waters adjacent to owned land, allowing reasonable use without fees for agricultural or aquacultural purposes if environmentally sound. Riparian owners can assign access rights to non-riparian parties, but withdrawals cannot harm water body sustainability, navigation, or public supplies.​
Conservation Guidelines
Harvesting supports conservation by reducing stormwater runoff demands, aligning with state low-impact development practices, though potable indoor uses require filtration, treatment, and local approvals. No state fees apply to rainwater use, and systems should include overflow management to direct excess to gardens or drains.​
SOURCES
[1](https://www.ntotank.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws-regulations-and-rights-by-us-state)
[2](https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-9/rs-9-1101/)
[3](https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=106521)
[4](https://www.watercache.com/resources/regulations)
[5](https://www.deq.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/Permits/LAR100000.pdf)
