Tennessee treats rainwater as the property of the landowner where it falls, allowing unrestricted harvesting without state-level permits or volume caps. Local rules may apply for large systems or potable use, emphasizing conservation through voluntary practices.​
Ownership Rights
Landowners own rainwater on their property, with no riparian or prior appropriation doctrines claiming it for downstream users or the state. This common-law approach supports private collection for irrigation, livestock, or household needs without legal barriers.​
Harvesting Regulations
No statewide restrictions exist; residents can install barrels, cisterns, or roofs freely, though filtration is recommended for non-potable uses. Cities like Chattanooga offer rebates for barrels, promoting stormwater reduction.​
Conservation Laws
Tennessee’s Water Quality Control Act prioritizes pollution prevention over allocation, encouraging harvesting via guidance manuals for best practices. Large-scale users must report withdrawals over 10,000 gallons daily, but small domestic systems face no oversight.
SOURCES
[1](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/rainwater-collection-legal-states)
[2](https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/rainwater-harvesting-guidelines-by-state/)
[3](https://www.ntotank.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws-regulations-and-rights-by-us-state)
[4](https://4perfectwater.com/blog/is-rainwater-harvesting-legal-in-tennessee)
[5](https://www.twadboard.tn.gov.in/rain-water-harvesting-rwh)
