Vermont treats rainwater as owned by the property holder who captures it, with no statewide restrictions on harvesting for personal use. State guidelines encourage collection from rooftops for non-potable purposes like irrigation or flushing, prioritizing safe roof materials to avoid contaminants.​
Harvesting Rules
No permits are required for simple rain barrels or cisterns under typical residential volumes, as long as water stays onsite and avoids potable uses without treatment. Asphalt shingle or painted metal roofs work best; avoid tar, asbestos, or lead. Local zoning may impose tank placement or overflow rules.​
Water Rights Context
Vermont follows riparian doctrine, granting landowners reasonable use of surface waters adjacent to their property without diverting flows harmfully. Rainwater harvesting doesn’t trigger prior appropriation claims, unlike Western states, supporting conservation amid climate goals.​
Conservation Incentives
The state promotes systems via ANR guidelines for stormwater reduction, with no bans on indoor non-potable reuse like toilets if systems meet design standards. Larger commercial setups may need review for water quality compliance.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/rainwater-harvesting-guidelines-by-state/)
[2](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/rainwater-collection-legal-states)
[3](https://www.ntotank.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws-regulations-and-rights-by-us-state)
[4](https://www.epa.gov/waterreuse/summary-vermonts-water-reuse-guideline-or-regulation-landscaping-and-onsite-non-potable)
[5](https://4perfectwater.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws)
