Bill > S01175

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for rainwater harvesting in New York, defining it as the capture and storage of precipitation from impervious surfaces, primarily rooftops, for reuse. The legislation provides detailed requirements for implementing rainwater harvesting systems, including specific design elements such as limiting collection to rooftop runoff, designing storage to capture at least 0.2 inches of rainfall, and ensuring an application area for water reuse within a week. The bill outlines technical specifications for conveyance systems, requiring proper gutter installation and overflow management, and mandates pretreatment measures like screens and filters to prevent debris and mosquito entry. Storage tanks must be watertight and made of non-toxic substances, with restrictions on harvesting from certain roof types like tar and gravel or those with lead flashing. The legislation emphasizes that harvested rainwater is suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, HVAC systems, and car washing, while acknowledging that reuse practicality must be evaluated case-by-case. Additionally, the bill requires the environmental conservation department to develop rules and regulations for implementation, recognizing rainwater harvesting as a potential strategy for reducing stormwater runoff and managing urban water resources more effectively.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1175