In Maine, rainwater is not owned by the state or public; private landowners hold riparian rights to surface waters (including rainfall runoff on their property), allowing collection and use without restrictions for personal or residential purposes.​
Rainwater Harvesting Rules
No state regulations, laws, or permits restrict rainwater harvesting in Maine, making it fully legal statewide for homes. Non-residential uses, like low-impact development for stormwater management, are encouraged under state environmental policies.​
Broader Water Rights
Maine follows riparian doctrine, granting abutting landowners qualified rights to reasonable use of adjacent waters (streams, lakes) for domestic, irrigation, or recreational needs, shared equally without prior appropriation. Ownership excludes the water itself but includes bed rights for non-tidal streams; diversions must not unreasonably harm others.​
Conservation Laws
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection oversees water protection via Title 38, focusing on pollution prevention and improvement rather than restricting collection. Permits apply for large-scale withdrawals or alterations impacting public waters, prioritizing conservation during shortages.
SOURCES
[1](https://legislature.maine.gov/doc/8972)
[2](https://www.ntotank.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws-regulations-and-rights-by-us-state)
[3](https://rainwaterequipment.com/blog/is-rainwater-harvesting-illegal/)
[4](https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/laws/index.html)
[5](https://4perfectwater.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-laws)
