How Do I Collect Rainwater for My Garden? Complete Guide

If you want a healthy garden and lower water bills, collecting rainwater is a smart choice. You can collect rainwater for your garden by using simple tools like rain barrels under your roof’s downspouts, buckets, or even larger containers around your yard. This method gives you a free and natural source of water for your plants, helps cut down on water waste, and can protect the environment at home.

Learning how to set up rainwater collection doesn’t have to be complicated. Even adding gutters to small sheds, making use of spare buckets during storms, or creating small ponds for runoff can all make a big difference. Using rainwater can help keep your garden green all year and is an easy way to be more eco-friendly. If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of practical guides to collecting rainwater for your garden, like those at The Backyard Pros and Gardeningetc.

Key Takeaways

• You can collect rainwater using barrels, buckets, or ponds at home.
• Simple setups help water your plants and save money.
• Safe rainwater collection supports a healthy and green garden.

Understanding Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting lets you collect water straight from rainfall, helping you reduce your water bill and care for your plants more naturally. It also helps protect the environment by lowering runoff and putting less demand on city water supplies.

What Is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is when you collect and store rain that falls onto your roof or other surfaces so you can use it later, especially during dry times. Most people use gutters and downspouts to direct the water into storage containers like rain barrels or larger tanks.

These systems can be as simple as a single barrel or more complex, including filters and first flush diverters to keep out debris and prevent contaminants from entering your water supply. Collected rainwater is mainly used for watering gardens, but larger systems may let you use it for flushing toilets, washing your car, or even household needs with extra treatment.

Careful setup and regular maintenance are important so that your system stays safe and effective. Keeping leaves, bird droppings, dust, and other contaminants out of your collection system means your water stays cleaner for your plants. You can read more about the basics of rainwater harvesting systems here.

Benefits of Collecting Rainwater

Collecting rainwater for your garden helps you save money by using less tap water. It also provides your plants with water that is usually free from chlorine, salt, and other chemicals found in city water. Rainwater can support better soil and root health, especially for sensitive or edible plants.

During dry seasons, stored rainwater means you can keep your garden healthy without breaking local water restrictions or increasing your bill. This method is easy to scale, so you can start small with a rain barrel and add more storage as your garden grows.

Other advantages include less soil erosion and the ability to control how and when you water your garden. Because you use what nature provides, you help conserve valuable municipal water supplies and can often see a big difference in how your plants respond to natural irrigation methods.

Environmental Impact

Using rainwater in your garden is good for the environment. Collecting and storing it means less water runs off your property, carrying chemicals and soil into local streams and rivers. This cuts down on water pollution and can help prevent flooding after heavy rains.

Lowering how much city water you use reduces the pressure on local water systems, which is especially important during droughts or times of high demand. When many households collect and use rainwater at home, the overall strain on city supplies goes down.

Rainwater harvesting can also support a more sustainable lifestyle by encouraging you to reuse resources. If you combine it with other eco-friendly garden tactics, like mulching or composting, you make an even bigger positive impact. For a step-by-step look at how this process works, see this garden guide to capturing and reusing rainwater.

Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Your Area?

Rainwater harvesting laws are different depending on where you live. It is legal in many places but can have strict rules or permits in others, so it’s important to learn the regulations before you start.

Local Regulations and Restrictions

There are no federal laws in the United States that ban rainwater harvesting. However, most rules are decided by each state or sometimes even at the city level. Some states, like Colorado and Utah, have specific limits on how much rainwater you can store or require you to use special containers.

States with water shortages or unique water rights systems may regulate collection more strictly. These rules can limit how much water you collect, what you use it for, and where you install your barrels. For example, some places require collection systems to follow health and safety standards because rain can be contaminated.

Many states encourage rainwater harvesting to help save water, especially for gardens or landscaping. Some counties and cities even provide rebates or incentives for installing legal systems. To learn how restrictions affect your location, see this list of rainwater collection laws by state.

Where to Find Legal Guidance

You can often find the most up-to-date laws about rainwater harvesting from your state’s department of natural resources or environmental agency. Local city hall or municipal offices may also have details about permits and health codes. Talking with local officials can give you information on allowed uses, tank sizes, and system requirements.

Useful online tools include state-run government sites and guides that explain water collection laws in simple language. For a simple, state-by-state breakdown, you can check this rainwater collection legal guide. Reading your state’s official website will help you keep up with recent changes, as water laws and incentives are updated regularly. Always make sure you check for new updates before building your system.

Choosing a Rainwater Collection Method

Your method for gathering rainwater depends on your available space, budget, and local climate. Each approach offers different storage capacities, installation requirements, and suitability for certain types of gardens.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are simple and low-cost systems that connect to your home’s downspouts. These barrels catch water as it flows from your roof during rainstorms. Most rain barrels hold about 50–80 gallons and come with a lid, overflow valve, and spigot for easy access.

To set up a rain barrel, place it on level ground, ideally raised on concrete blocks for better water pressure. Use a mesh screen to keep out leaves and insects. Regularly clean the barrel with a mild vinegar solution and inspect it for leaks. Empty the barrel before winter in freezing climates to prevent cracking. You can find step-by-step tips in this guide to rain barrels.

Rain barrels are best for small gardens where you want to use stored water for hand watering, filling watering cans, or connecting to a simple drip irrigation system.

Rain Gardens and Bioswales

Rain gardens and bioswales manage rainwater by slowing, filtering, and absorbing runoff in planted areas. Unlike storage systems, these features use deep-rooted native plants and natural landscape contours.

A rain garden is a shallow depression, often shaped like a basin, filled with plants that tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Position it at least 10 feet away from your house to avoid damaging your foundation. Choose plants like irises, coneflowers, sedges, and grasses, which soak up runoff and attract helpful wildlife.

Bioswales are long, shallow channels lined with gravel and plants. They direct water away from hard surfaces and allow it to sink slowly into the ground. Both rain gardens and bioswales help fight flooding and recharge soil moisture. They fit best in areas where runoff is a concern or where you want to boost native plant diversity. Learn more about building rain gardens and bioswales at this rainwater harvesting site.

Underground Cisterns

For larger gardens or places with long dry seasons, underground cisterns offer high-capacity water storage. These tanks can hold anywhere from 1,500 to over 10,000 gallons.

Cisterns are made from materials like concrete or plastic. They often require professional installation, as they must be buried underground and connected to your roof downspouts with filters to keep out debris. Installing a cistern is more expensive but provides a steady supply of water when rainfall is scarce.

Because cisterns are hidden, they save space and keep your yard looking clean. This makes them a strong option for gardeners who need lots of water and plan long-term. See more details in this guide to underground cisterns.

Setting Up a Rain Barrel System

Rain barrels are an easy way to save water and lower your water bill. With the right setup, you can collect rainwater and use it in your garden.

Selecting the Right Rain Barrel

When picking a rain barrel, look for barrels made of food-grade plastic or another material safe for water storage. Most rain barrels hold between 40 to 80 gallons, but choose a size based on your garden’s needs and how much rain falls in your area.

Some barrels come with built-in screens that keep leaves and bugs out. Others offer handy features like overflow valves and spigots for filling a watering can or connecting to a hose. Make sure your rain barrel is strong enough to hold the weight of water when full.

If you want to expand later, select a barrel that lets you link it with others. This makes it easier to collect more water if you need it in the future. Find more about the benefits of different rain barrel models and setup options at this step-by-step guide to building a rainwater barrel.

Locating and Installing Rain Barrels

Rain barrels work best when placed on a level, raised platform. A sturdy base made of bricks, concrete blocks, or wood helps gravity push water out through the spigot. Raising your barrel also makes it easier to fill a watering can or connect a hose.

Choose a spot close to your garden but right under a downspout. Keep it away from your home’s foundation. If rain overflows, you do not want water pooling near the house.

Before installing, clear the area of debris. Set the barrel in place and check it is stable. For extra safety, secure the barrel with straps if you live in a windy area. For detailed installation tips, read this guide on how to set up a rain barrel.

Connecting Barrels to Downspouts

To collect rainwater, you need to connect the rain barrel directly to a downspout. Most setups use a diverter or cut the downspout just above the barrel, so water flows right in. Attach a screen or filter at the opening to keep out leaves and insects.

Make sure you include an overflow hose or pipe that directs extra water away from your house and towards a safe place like the yard or garden. If you want to use more than one barrel, you can connect them with short hoses or pipes so they fill in order.

Seal every connection tightly to keep out pests and prevent leaks. For more on downspout connections and overflow management, see this complete guide to building and using a rain barrel system.

Designing a Rain Garden for Water Collection

Setting up a rain garden helps manage stormwater, supports local wildlife, and can provide an attractive feature in your yard. You’ll need to pay careful attention to placement, plant choice, and how the garden fits with your overall landscape.

Site Selection and Preparation

Start by choosing a location that collects runoff from roofs, driveways, or other hard surfaces. Pick a spot at least 10 feet from your home’s foundation to avoid water issues in the basement. Avoid areas close to septic tanks, wells, or utility lines.

A good rain garden site is flat or has a gentle slope. Dig out a shallow basin, about 6–12 inches deep, with sloped sides. This depression will help capture and soak in rainfall. You may need to improve drainage by loosening or amending the soil with compost and sand.

Build a small berm or raised edge on the low side of the garden to hold water in place. Be sure water will drain within 24–48 hours to prevent standing water and mosquito problems. For more tips on sizing and basin design, see this guide to rain gardens.

Checklist:

• At least 10 feet from buildings
• Not near utilities or septic systems
• Shallow basin, sloping sides, and berm
• Drains in less than 2 days

Choosing Rain Garden Plants

Use a mix of native plants, trees, and shrubs that can handle both wet and dry periods. Native species work best because they are adapted to your local climate and soil, need less maintenance, and support pollinators and birds.

Place the most water-tolerant plants, like sedges and certain native grasses, at the lowest part of the garden, where water collects after rain. Use medium-tolerance perennials slightly higher up. Place drought-tolerant plants, such as some native shrubs and small trees, along the top edges.

Popular choices include blue flag iris, black-eyed Susan, swamp milkweed, and red osier dogwood. Avoid invasive species and choose a variety of heights and textures for visual interest and habitat value.

Sample Planting Zones Table:

Integrating with Existing Landscapes

Connect your rain garden visually and functionally with your existing yard. Use similar plant types or repeating color patterns to help it blend with other garden beds. This makes your rain garden look like a planned part of the landscape, not an afterthought.

Direct overflow water from downspouts or driveways gently into your rain garden using stone swales, dry creek beds, or decorative channels. These features can guide water flow and add to the beauty of your yard.

Edge the garden with stones or native groundcovers to define the space and reduce soil erosion. By linking the rain garden with nearby trees, shrubs, and planting beds, you create natural corridors for birds and beneficial insects. To learn more about garden integration, visit this detailed rain garden design article.

Directing and Managing Rainwater Flow

Rainwater can be guided and controlled to support your garden and protect your property. Taking the right approach prevents flooding, reduces water waste, and helps you water your plants more efficiently.

Using Downspouts Effectively

Downspouts are a key part of collecting rainwater from your roof. To get the most out of them, position your downspouts so they direct water toward collection barrels or garden beds. Use gutter screens or mesh filters to block leaves and debris from entering the downspout.

Connect the downspout to a sturdy rain barrel using a sealed diverter. This keeps runoff from pooling near your house foundation and sends it to where you want it. Add an overflow outlet to handle heavy rains while avoiding flooding issues. Make sure your rain barrel sits on a flat, secure base to prevent tipping.

If you want to water specific plants or areas, you can attach short hoses or pipes from the rain barrel to those spots. This way, the collected water will go directly to your garden when you open the spigot.

For more on building a full system, check the detailed tips at Gardener Guidebook.

Creating Channels and Dry Creek Beds

Channels, swales, and dry creek beds are helpful ways to move water where you need it most. A dry creek bed is a shallow, rock-lined path that carries water away from your home and spreads it across your garden. This path looks natural and slows the water down so it can soak into the soil.

Bioswales are shallow ditches filled with rocks, gravel, or hardy plants. They trap and filter rainwater as it moves through, capturing debris and stopping soil erosion. You can dig a simple channel from a downspout to a bed of gravel or a low-lying area in your yard.

If you use mulch or loose rock to line these features, you improve filtration and stop muddy puddles from forming. Make sure your channels have a gentle slope so water flows slowly and does not create new erosion problems.

Grading and Slope Considerations

The slope of your yard affects how rainwater moves and pools. To prevent water damage and soggy spots, check that your garden soil slopes gently away from buildings. A slope of about 2-5% helps water drain well without rushing off too fast.

If low spots collect water, fill them with soil or create small berms to guide the flow. Use a long board and a level or a simple string between stakes to check your grading. Proper grading reduces the risk of water sitting against your foundation or flooding your basement.

Consider breaking up large flat areas by adding mounds or gentle slopes. If your yard has steep slopes, plant groundcovers or use terracing to slow down water and stop runoff. For more about rainwater management, see Spectra Pro Select.

Rainwater Storage and Overflow Solutions

Proper storage and managing overflow are necessary for a rainwater system. If you allow tanks or barrels to overflow, you risk water damage and miss out on collecting extra water for your garden.

Preventing Overflows

To avoid wasted water or damage, your rainwater barrels should have an overflow outlet several inches from the barrel top. Use a durable hose or pipe for this outlet that points away from your home’s foundation.

Overflow prevention ideas:

• Integrated screen or filter on the overflow opening
• Securely fastened lid to keep out debris
• Regular cleaning of overflow pipes and barrel screens

Choose overflow pipes at least 1 to 2 inches wide. This helps water move fast during heavy rainfall. Some barrel systems can use automatic diverters or float valves to help direct overflow once the barrel is full. Learn more about effective overflow practices for rainwater collection at Ecoroof Systems.

Connecting Overflow to Gardens

Instead of sending overflow to a storm sewer, you can direct extra water to garden beds, rain gardens, or a dry creek bed. This keeps rainwater on your property and can reduce erosion or flooding elsewhere.

Common options for routing overflow include:

• Flexible rafter hoses
• Perforated tubing
• Small rock channels leading away from barrels

When designing overflow, make sure water flows at least 10 feet from building foundations. If possible, use overflow water to fill rain gardens—a shallow, planted area that helps absorb and filter water. For step-by-step help on building rainwater systems with safe overflow, visit these DIY tips for overflows.

Multiple Barrel Storage

If your single barrel fills quickly, link several rain barrels together. This boosts storage without major new cost. Use short, wide-diameter tubing (such as 2-inch flexible hose) to connect each barrel near the base.

Multiple barrel advantages:

• Stores more water for dry spells
• Reduces frequent overflows
• Collects more rain from big downpours

You can set barrels side-by-side, or in a line along a fence or wall. Make sure each barrel’s overflow connects to the next or leads to your chosen overflow path. Tips on expanding with barrels are covered in the GrowNYC rainwater guide.

Protecting Water Quality and Preventing Contaminants

Keeping your garden rainwater clean requires careful setup and regular attention. By using the right barriers, maintaining your equipment, and stopping pests or algae, you protect both your garden and your rain barrels.

Screens and First Flush Diverters

Install a fine mesh screen on top of each rain barrel or storage tank. This stops larger debris like leaves, sticks, and insects from entering your water supply. Use stainless steel mesh with small openings (0.5 to 1 mm) so water can flow well but most debris stays out.

A first flush diverter helps remove the most polluted runoff from your roof at the start of each rainfall. These systems direct the first small amount of water, which carries dust, pollen, and bird droppings, away from your storage. This simple step can improve water quality and prevent contaminants from building up in your rain barrel. Learn more about diverters at this rainwater harvesting guide.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean your gutters, screens, and downspouts often to keep water moving freely and to reduce the chance of mold or bacteria growth. Built-up debris can quickly lead to blockages or dirty water. Use non-toxic cleaning products for any part of the system that comes in contact with rainwater.

Rinse out your rain barrels or storage tanks at least once every few months. Scrubbing the barrel walls helps remove any slime, sediment, or algae that may have started to grow. Monitor the inside of the barrels for dirt or odd smells as signs of needed cleaning. Using smart water level indicators can help you track usage and prevent accidental overflows. See more cleaning tips in this rainwater safety article.

Mosquito and Algae Control

Covered rain barrels are key to stopping mosquitoes from laying eggs in your water. Screens or tightly fitting lids work best. If you need to keep a barrel open for some reason, add a fine mesh net that covers the entire opening.

Place your rain barrels or tanks in shaded locations, if possible. Less sunlight limits algae growth inside the storage. You can use non-toxic mosquito dunks or larvicides made for water storage, but double-check these are safe for garden use. Keeping water moving, even by gently swirling or using a small pump, will also make it harder for mosquitoes and algae to thrive. For more details, check out this guide on keeping rainwater clean.

Irrigating Your Garden with Rainwater

Using rainwater for your garden can make watering more efficient and cut down on your utility bills. There are a few proven ways to move rainwater from your barrel or storage tank to your plants, shrubs, and trees.

Connecting to Drip and Soaker Hoses

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses provide water slowly and directly to the roots where it’s most needed. You can attach these hoses to the spigot at the bottom of your rain barrel. This setup uses gravity, so keep your barrel elevated on a sturdy platform. Water will flow better if the hoses stay lower than the barrel.

Drip systems work well for native plants that don’t like to get their leaves wet, and they’re good for established shrubs and trees too. A basic timer can help you control how much water your plants get without wasting any. Drip and soaker systems are more efficient than overhead sprinklers, and they also help reduce the chance of fungal diseases.

Make sure to use a filter between the barrel and hoses to stop small pieces of debris from clogging your system. For more ideas on attaching hoses and barrels, visit this step-by-step rainwater collection guide.

Manual Watering Techniques

Manual watering gives you full control over where rainwater goes. You can fill watering cans or buckets from your rain barrel and carry them directly to the base of plants, shrubs, or young trees. This method is helpful for reaching smaller or newly planted areas.

Always water the soil, not the leaves, to prevent disease. Early morning is the best time for manual watering because less water will evaporate in the sun. If you have raised beds or container gardens, pouring rainwater slowly onto the soil keeps it from running off and helps roots get a deep soak.

Use a flexible hose with a spout or wand attachment to refill larger containers easily. If you need extra storage, extra barrels connected with pipes make it easier to refill your watering cans when needed. Find more tips for watering your garden with rainwater.

Maximizing Garden Benefits with Native Plants

Using native plants, shrubs, and trees in your garden helps you use rainwater more efficiently, build healthier soil, and support local wildlife. These strategies lead to a garden that is easier to care for and more likely to thrive during dry periods.

Why Native Plants Work Best

Native plants are adapted to your region’s normal rainfall, temperature, and soil. Because of this, they often need less extra water. When you collect rainwater and use it for these types of plants, you reduce waste and see better growth.

Native species are less likely to become stressed during dry spells. They are also more likely to resist local pests and diseases, lowering the need for chemicals. Using plants that “fit” your climate can support butterflies, bees, and birds by offering food and shelter.

In gardens that use native plants, runoff is lower. Their root systems hold soil together and slow the movement of water during heavy rain, which can help stop soil erosion. This means more of your collected rainwater benefits your garden rather than washing away.

Selecting Drought-Tolerant Species

Drought-tolerant native plants are a smart choice when you want to make the most of collected rainwater. Examples include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and little bluestem grass, but the best picks depend on your area.

Plants with deep or wide root systems store water better. Shrubs like serviceberry or ninebark and grasses such as switchgrass perform well with less water. These plants let you go longer between waterings, even in hot, dry weather.

Native succulents or ground cover plants, such as sedum, add more drought-tolerance to your garden. Planting a mix of species increases resilience and provides more benefits for pollinators. You can find detailed advice about matching rainwater to native plant needs for your region.

Planting Trees and Shrubs for Water Retention

Trees and shrubs work as natural water managers in your yard. Their roots soak up rainwater and help it move deep into the soil, where it is available to other plants for longer. Oaks, maples, and native shrubs like viburnum or dogwood are good options.

When you plant these larger plants along slopes, property lines, or the edges of garden beds, you slow runoff. The shade from trees reduces evaporation, keeping soil cooler and moist. Dense plantings near rain collection points, like rain barrels or garden beds, let you channel stored water right where it is needed.

Many native trees and shrubs support rain gardens, which are shallow, planted areas that catch and soak up extra rainwater. This creates habitat for birds and insects while storing water for times of drought. For more information about using trees and shrubs in water-wise gardening, check the step-by-step tips in this rainwater harvesting guide for gardeners.

Safety and Health Considerations

When collecting rainwater for your garden, it’s important to know about potential risks to plants and people. Proper management will help you avoid common health problems.

Limiting Uses for Collected Rainwater

The best use for collected rainwater is for watering non-edible plants and lawns. If you want to use it for growing vegetables, avoid spraying the water directly on the edible leaves or fruits. This limits the chance of spreading harmful bacteria or chemicals.

Never use rainwater for drinking, cooking, or washing hands unless you treat it first. Roofs, gutters, and collection barrels can pick up dirt, animal droppings, and other pollutants. These contaminants may carry pathogens, heavy metals, or pesticides.

To lower contamination risks:

• Clean your collection surfaces often
• Use screens to block debris
• Water soil at the base of plants, not the leaves
  More information is provided in the Live to Plant rainwater harvesting guide.

Testing and Treating Rainwater

Testing your rainwater helps you spot possible hazards. Check your stored water for unpleasant odors, cloudiness, or strange colors. These are signs that bacteria or algae may be growing inside the container.

For extra safety, you can send a sample to a lab to test for bacteria, nitrates, or metals. If any harmful levels are found, stop using that water on your edible garden until you fix the problem.

If you want safer water, add a basic filtration system or a fine mesh screen. Filtering removes dirt and larger particles. For more advanced cleaning before using the water for sensitive plants, consider UV treatment or adding a small amount of unscented bleach (check safe ratios on government health sites) to kill germs, but always follow instructions carefully. There are more tips on safe harvesting and treating rainwater.

Keeping Rainwater Separate from Household Water

Never mix collected rainwater with your tap or household plumbing. Doing this could cause bacteria, parasites, or chemical contaminants from your rain barrel to enter the household water supply.

Store rainwater in separate, labeled containers such as food-safe barrels or dedicated tanks. Make sure your rainwater system is not connected to any indoor faucets or sinks. This keeps drinking water safe for you and your family.

Use a different watering can or hose for your rainwater to avoid cross-contamination. Isolation practices also help you follow legal rules about water safety in some areas. To learn about proper storage, visit the Garden Fixes rainwater storage guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can collect rainwater for your garden in several creative ways, and it’s important to understand local rules, possible risks, and the best setup for your space. Building a rainwater collection system can be simple or more complex, depending on your needs and situation.

What methods can be used to collect rainwater if I don’t have gutters?

If your home doesn’t have gutters, you can still gather rainwater. Place empty containers like buckets or large plant pots without drainage holes underneath areas where rain runs off your roof or other surfaces.
Drip trays under roof eaves or installing a rain chain to guide water into barrels are also helpful options. Learn more from the list of easy ways to collect rainwater for your garden.

What regulations should I be aware of when collecting rainwater in my area?

Some places have rules about collecting rainwater. You should check your local government’s website or ask city officials if you need a permit or if there are any restrictions.

Rules vary by state and even by city. An online search for “Is it illegal to collect rainwater in (your state)?” can provide quick answers. More details are found in this step-by-step guide to collecting rainwater.

How can I build a DIY rainwater collection system for my plants?

For a basic DIY system, place a clean barrel or food-grade container under a downspout to catch runoff from your roof. Add a screen on top to keep out leaves and bugs. A spigot near the base makes it easy to fill a watering can.

Connecting multiple barrels by pipes lets you store even more water. Read about building simple systems in this rainwater collection guide.

Can I set up a rainwater collection system on my apartment balcony for gardening?

You can use smaller containers or buckets on your balcony to collect rainwater. Place them where rain naturally falls or trickles down from the side of the building.

Since balcony space is limited, use stackable bins or narrow barrels. Make sure the weight of the container with water is safe for your balcony structure.

What are the potential drawbacks of harvesting rainwater for garden use?

Rainwater collected from roofs might pick up dirt, animal droppings, or roofing material residues. This water is usually not safe to drink unless treated, but it is useful for watering plants.

Mosquitoes and debris can also be a problem if containers aren’t covered. Maintenance, like regular cleaning of barrels and filters, is required to keep your system working well. For more cautions, see this garden rainwater collection guide.

Why might collecting rainwater be restricted or prohibited in certain areas?

Some areas limit rainwater collection because of local water rights or concerns about altering groundwater recharge. Authorities want to make sure enough water gets back into the natural environment.

Rules are often based on the water needs of your local community or concerns about water safety and public health. Check local laws before setting up a system.