Is Rainwater Harvesting Worth It in Rhode Island? Incentives, Permits, and System Options Explained
If you own a roof in Rhode Island or eastern Connecticut, you’re sitting on a quiet little water resource. The question is: can you legally capture it, will the state help pay for it, and what’s the difference between a simple rain barrel and a full Aquascape-style RainXchange® system?
Let’s walk through all of that in plain English, then talk about what it looks like to install a system on your property.
1. What Rainwater Harvesting Actually Is (and Isn’t)
At its core, a rainwater harvesting system does three things:
Catches rain from your roof (or other approved surface)
Conveys and filters it (removing leaves, grit, and roof dust)
Stores and reuses it for some purpose – usually irrigation, topping off water features, or other non-potable uses
A basic setup might be:
A single 55-gallon rain barrel under a downspout
A screened inlet and overflow to daylight
A hose bib for garden watering
A more advanced setup (like the Aquascape Rainwater Harvesting System, formerly branded RainXchange®) combines:
A downspout filter to remove debris
Piping to a lined underground storage basin built with modular AquaBlox® units
A pump and plumbing to feed a decorative feature (pondless waterfall, bubbling urn, etc.)
Optional booster pump and hose/irrigation connection for landscape watering (Aquascape, Inc.)
Same basic principle, just scaled up and integrated with your landscape.
2. Non-Potable vs. Potable Systems
From a regulatory and design standpoint, there are really two worlds of rainwater harvesting:
Non-Potable Systems (What Most Homeowners Do)
These systems use rainwater for things like:
Watering gardens and lawns
Washing cars, patios, equipment
Topping off ponds, waterfalls, and other water features
Potentially, flushing toilets or supplying laundry (if designed and permitted correctly)
Key points:
They do not supply drinking water.
They are governed by plumbing and building codes as non-potable water systems.
You need to avoid cross-connections with your potable plumbing and clearly label outlets as non-potable.
In Rhode Island, the 2019 State Plumbing Code includes Chapter 13, “Nonpotable Water Systems,” with a specific section on nonpotable rainwater collection and distribution systems. That chapter sets standards for how systems must be designed, constructed, and labeled. (ICC Store)
Connecticut likewise addresses rainwater harvesting in its building/plumbing code (2018 CT State Building Code, Chapter 13, Section 1303) for non-potable indoor uses such as toilets and clothes washers, along with outdoor uses like irrigation. (NTO Tank)
Potable Systems (Drinking, Cooking, Bathing)
Collecting rainwater for drinking is another level entirely:
You need multi-stage filtration and disinfection (sediment filters, carbon, UV or chlorination, etc.).
The system must meet drinking water quality standards, and in many jurisdictions you’ll be working with the state or local health department.
Design and installation typically require a licensed professional and may trigger more rigorous permitting.
A Connecticut DEEP rainwater factsheet explicitly notes that larger cistern systems can be used as a potable source if properly treated, underscoring that treatment and regulatory oversight are non-negotiable in that scenario. (CT.gov)
In both Rhode Island and Connecticut, the practical reality right now is:
Most residential systems are designed for non-potable use.
Potable rainwater systems are possible but more complex, more expensive, and more regulated.
3. What Rhode Island Actually Offers (Legally & Financially)
Legality & Code Basics
Rainwater harvesting is legal and explicitly contemplated by code.
The Rhode Island Plumbing Code (SBC-3) adopts the International Plumbing Code framework and includes Section 1303 – Nonpotable Rainwater Collection and Distribution Systems, which governs collection surfaces, materials, labeling, overflow, and general design criteria for non-potable systems. (ICC Store)
In practice, this means:
If you’re installing a plumbed system (piping into your building, permanent tank, pumps, etc.), you should plan on:
A plumbing permit
Work done by a licensed plumber
Proper labeling (e.g., “CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER – DO NOT DRINK” on non-potable outlets, per IPC conventions) (LawnStarter)
For a simple above-grade barrel that just sits under a downspout and feeds a garden hose, many homeowners operate informally—but the safest path is still to check with your local building or plumbing official if you’re altering downspouts or tying anything into your home’s piping.
The Cistern Tax Credit (Rhode Island’s Big One)
Rhode Island does offer a meaningful state income tax credit for cistern installation:
Rhode Island General Laws § 44-30-28 – Tax credit for installation of cisterns
Any individual or business that installs a cistern on their property to collect rainwater for use in their home or business is eligible for:
An income tax credit of 10% of the cost of installing the cistern,
Up to $1,000,
One credit per entity over the life of the cistern (with some allowance if upgrading to a larger cistern and you haven’t hit the $1,000 cap). (LegiScan)
A cistern is defined as a container holding 50 gallons or more of diverted rainwater or snowmelt, above or below ground, with a cover.
As of late 2025, this tax credit is still cited in current overviews of rainwater harvesting laws and incentives, and no repeal has surfaced in the legislative or secondary sources reviewed. (NTO Tank)
Takeaway:
If you install a RainXchange-style underground cistern (or other qualifying system) in Rhode Island, you likely qualify for 10% back on your state income taxes, up to $1,000, assuming you meet the statutory definitions and file appropriately.
Always confirm with your accountant or tax preparer that you qualify before counting on it.
Other Funding Streams (Mostly Municipal & Institutional)
Rhode Island also channels money into green infrastructure and stormwater management, but most of it is aimed at municipalities and nonprofits, not individual homeowners:
RI Infrastructure Bank provides grants and low-interest financing for stormwater and sewer overflow projects, including green infrastructure that manages runoff at the source. (riib.org)
DEM and partners fund stormwater retrofit and resilience projects (rain gardens, bioretention, etc.), and run public education through RI Stormwater Solutions. (RIDEM)
For a homeowner, the benefit from these programs is mostly indirect—you might see:
Town-sponsored discounted rain barrel sales (supported by DEM’s “Organize a Rain Barrel Sale” guidance). (RIDEM)
Local workshops on rain gardens, rain barrels, and yard practices.
4. What Eastern Connecticut Offers
Legal & Code Framework
Connecticut:
Allows rainwater harvesting for outdoor and indoor non-potable uses (irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, etc.), as noted in overviews of state-by-state rainwater regulations. (NTO Tank)
Addresses rainwater in the Connecticut Stormwater Quality Manual, which describes rain barrels and cisterns as tools to capture and reuse stormwater for non-potable uses like irrigation or washing vehicles/toilets. (ctstormwatermanual-nemo.media.uconn.edu)
As in Rhode Island, more complex, plumbed systems for indoor uses will be governed by the building and plumbing code and likely require professional design and permits.
Incentives & Support (Spoiler: Mostly Local and Modest)
Connecticut does not currently have a statewide homeowner tax credit on the scale of Rhode Island’s cistern credit. What exists instead is a patchwork:
Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD)
Ran a grant-funded project to install 100 rain gardens and 100 rain barrels across eastern Connecticut, funded by the Long Island Sound Futures Fund and EPA. (Connecticut’s Conservation Districts)
While that specific project has concluded, ECCD and other conservation districts remain key technical resources for landowners.
Local rain barrel sales & discounts
Towns like Stonington and Groton have offered discounted rain barrels to residents in partnership with vendors, framing them as drought and water-bill reduction tools. (Stonington)
These are typically limited-time programs, so availability changes year to year.
Water utility incentives
Connecticut Water has partnered with Upcycle Products to sell upcycled rain barrels, and customers who purchase a barrel and submit proof are eligible for a $10 rebate on their water bill. (CT Water)
Other utilities occasionally run similar conservation promotions.
Takeaway:
In eastern Connecticut, expect small rebates and discounted barrel programs, not big state-level tax credits. The real value is often in free technical help (conservation districts, DEEP publications) and lower water bills over time.
5. Who Can Help You Locally
If you’re a property owner in Rhode Island or eastern Connecticut, the most useful organizations tend to be:
Rhode Island
RI DEM – RI Stormwater Solutions
Practical homeowner guidance on rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, and community rain barrel sales. (RIDEM)URI Cooperative Extension / RI NEMO
Provides training and resources for stormwater management and green infrastructure, often referenced by EPA as a local contact. (US EPA)Stormwater Innovation Center (Providence)
Demonstration site and resource hub for green infrastructure, including rain barrels and rain gardens, with practical “at home” resources. (Stormwater Innovation Center)
Eastern Connecticut
Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD)
Offers workshops, technical assistance, and project support for rain gardens, rain barrels, and other stormwater practices. (Connecticut’s Conservation Districts)Connecticut DEEP
Through guidance like the Stormwater Manual and “Soak Up the Rain” resources, DEEP outlines design and maintenance of rain barrels and cisterns for non-potable use. (ctstormwatermanual-nemo.media.uconn.edu)Your water utility (Connecticut Water, Aquarion, municipal utilities)
They may be running current rain barrel promotions or rebates, which change over time.
6. How a RainXchange-Style System Fits Into All This
Aquascape’s Rainwater Harvesting System (the modern evolution of RainXchange®) is essentially:
A subsurface cistern (lined basin with modular water storage blocks).
A debris-catching downspout filter up top.
A pump and plumbing loop that:
Runs a decorative water feature (pondless waterfall, bubbling rock, etc.).
Keeps the stored water circulating and filtered to avoid stagnation.
Can be tied into irrigation or hose bibs when designed accordingly. (Aquascape, Inc.)
From a regulatory angle in Rhode Island and Connecticut:
It’s treated as a non-potable rainwater system used for:
Stormwater management (capture at the source).
Outdoor non-potable uses (water features, irrigation).
The underground cistern volume can count toward Rhode Island’s cistern tax credit as long as it meets the statutory definition (≥50 gallons, used on-site). (LegiScan)
So if you’re in Rhode Island, a properly installed RainXchange-style system may qualify you for:
A better yard and water feature,
Reduced stormwater runoff,
Lower irrigation water bills, and
A tax credit on the storage component.
7. Potable vs. Non-Potable: How to Decide as a Property Owner
For most homeowners and small commercial properties in RI and eastern CT, here’s the candid breakdown:
When Non-Potable Makes the Most Sense
Choose a non-potable system if your goals are:
Watering gardens, trees, and lawn
Filling or topping off ponds and waterfalls
Reducing puddling and runoff around hardscapes
Gaining some resilience during summer dry spells
Taking advantage of Rhode Island’s cistern tax credit or CT’s local conservation rebates
Design priorities:
Capture only from clean, approved roof surfaces (metal, asphalt shingles, etc. – avoid roofs with significant contamination sources). (ICC Digital Codes)
Include pre-filtration (downspout filter, screen) to keep the storage relatively clean. (Meyer Aquascapes)
Size your cistern based on roof area and rainfall; Aquascape’s own data point:
1" of rain on a 2,000 ft² roof yields about 1,250 gallons of water. (Aquascape, Inc.)
When to Even Consider Potable Rainwater
Consider potable use only if:
You’re in a situation where well water is poor/limited or you’re deliberately pursuing an off-grid or highly resilient home.
You are ready to:
Invest in engineered treatment,
Work closely with local health and building officials,
Accept ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
In our climate and regulatory environment, potable rainwater systems are niche. For most clients, we recommend focusing on non-potable rainwater plus ecologically designed water features and landscapes that soak water into the ground.
8. Permitting & Planning Checklist (RI & Eastern CT)
Before you buy anything with the word “cistern” on it, it’s worth doing a little homework. Here’s a practical sequence:
Clarify your use-cases
Only garden watering and water features?
Considering indoor non-potable uses (toilet flushing)?
Dreaming of potable use?
Talk to your local building/plumbing department
Ask how they interpret Chapter 13 / Section 1303 of the applicable plumbing code for non-potable rainwater systems.
Confirm whether your project will need:
A plumbing permit
A building permit
Any inspections
Clarify expectations for labeling and cross-connection protection.
If you’re in Rhode Island, talk to your tax preparer
Share the text of R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-30-28 and your rough budget. (LegiScan)
Ask how to document and claim the 10% cistern credit.
Check for local rebates or programs
RI: look for DEM-supported rain barrel sales and guidance via RI Stormwater Solutions.
Eastern CT: check your town, water utility, and ECCD for current rain barrel promotions and workshops. (Connecticut’s Conservation Districts)
Choose a system type
Entry-level: one or more above-grade rain barrels.
Mid-tier: small cistern (above or below ground) for garden irrigation only.
Integrated system: Aquascape Rainwater Harvesting System feeding a decorative water feature plus irrigation.
Work with qualified professionals
For anything beyond a basic barrel, you want:
A designer who understands stormwater, infiltration, and ecological planting.
A contractor who follows Aquascape best practices for excavation, lining, and plumbing.
A licensed plumber where code requires.
9. How We’d Approach Your Project (Aquascape + Ecology)
From an ecological water-feature lens, a rainwater system is more than just a tank – it’s part of how your site breathes water.
A typical Natural Elements by Design-style project in Rhode Island or eastern Connecticut might:
Capture roof runoff through a downspout filter into an underground cistern (RainXchange-style).
Integrate that storage with:
A pondless waterfall or stream,
A pond or natural swim pond, or
A sculptural fountain stone or bubbling urn.
Distribute excess water into:
Rain gardens planted with native species,
Permeable patios that allow infiltration,
Overflow to daylight in a controlled, erosion-resistant path.
Mimic natural cycles
Use plants, gravel, and beneficial bacteria in line with Aquascape’s ecosystem methodology to polish the water before it re-enters the landscape. (WaterScape Designs)
The result is a system that:
Reduces your burden on public water supplies
Softens runoff impacts on local streams and coves
Qualifies for Rhode Island’s cistern tax credit (when applicable)
And gives you a backyard that feels more like a small watershed than a lawn with a tank stuck next to it
10. Final Thoughts: Is a Rainwater System Worth It Here?
In our corner of New England, with decent annual rainfall but increasing summer droughts and storm intensity, a well-designed rainwater harvesting system is:
Environmentally meaningful – you’re cutting peak runoff and reusing water where it falls.
Financially reasonable – especially with:
Rhode Island’s 10% cistern tax credit, and
Local rain barrel discounts and small rebates in eastern Connecticut.
A design opportunity – particularly when paired with Aquascape-style water features and planting that work with the water, not against it.
If you own roof, soil, and a little imagination, you have the basic ingredients. The rest is sizing the system correctly, respecting the plumbing code, and letting the landscape do what it does best: slow water down, spread it out, and sink it in.
