Virginia Law

A. Materials and equipment used in rainwater harvesting systems shall be labeled to demonstrate compliance with applicable NSF 61 and NSF P151 standards, as appropriate.

B. Collection surfaces shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Collection roofing are composed of non-toxic materials;

2. Paint used on surfaces used for collection of rainwater for potable purposes is labeled to be certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61-2020 or P151 and applied per the manufacturer's installation instructions;

3. Lead-based, chromium-based, or zinc-based paints are not used;

4. Galvanized metal is not used;

5. Flat roof products are labeled as meeting NSF Protocol P151;

6. Equipment and appliances mounted on collection surfaces have a means of preventing the introduction of contaminants into the rainwater harvesting system;

7. Equipment and appliances containing toxic fluids or other potentially harmful substances are not installed on collection surfaces or in locations where a release of contained substances will flow by gravity to collection surfaces; and

8. Materials used for collection surfaces conform to end use tier criteria pursuant to Table 2.

C. The conveyance system shall be protected to prevent the entrance of vermin. Inlets, debris excluders, filters, first-flush diverters, cleanouts, and conveyance system components requiring service shall be accessible. To convey captured rainwater, rainwater harvesting systems shall use drainage piping suitable for use with plumbing drainage or pressure systems. Conveyance system materials shall be labeled to demonstrate compliance with NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61-2020.

D. A cistern or water storage unit, liners, coatings, pipes, pipe fittings, and appurtenances shall be labeled to demonstrate compliance with the applicable requirements of NSF 61/ANSI/CAN Standard 61-2020 and NSF 372. The water storage unit shall be manufactured from previously unused materials, and no cistern or storage unit previously used to store anything other than water may be incorporated into a rainwater harvesting system. The water storage unit may be installed either above or below grade and provided a means for emptying and cleaning. If gravity drainage is not possible, a provision for pumping water from the unit shall be provided.

E. Water contained in an aboveground water storage unit shall be protected from direct sunlight through the use of opaque, ultraviolet-resistant materials or a sun barrier.

F. An underground water storage unit shall be installed in compliance with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standard 1926 Subpart P and shall be provided with manhole risers a minimum of six inches above surrounding grade.

G. Pump and pump components shall be capable of delivering a minimum of 15 pounds per square inch in gauge residual pressure at the highest and most remote outlet served. Maximum pressure should not exceed 80 pounds per square inch in gauge.

H. Water piping, fittings, and related system components shall be appropriate for use in accordance with the USBC. Where plastic piping is exposed to sunlight, it shall be protected by a factory applied protective coating or painted with compatible latex paint.