Virginia Law

Chapter 635. Rainwater Harvesting System Regulations

Part I
General Framework

12VAC5-635-10. Definitions.

The following words, terms, and abbreviations, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agent" means a legally authorized representative of the owner.

"ANSI" means the American National Standards Institute.

"ASSE" means the American Society of Sanitary Engineering.

"Backflow" means (i) the flow of water, other liquids, mixtures, or substances into the distribution system of a pure water system from one or more sources other than its intended source or (ii) the reversal of the normal direction of flow.

"Cistern" means a water storage tank connected to a plumbing system or irrigation system.

"Commissioner" means the State Health Commissioner or the commissioner's designee.

"Contaminant" means an objectionable or hazardous physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water.

"Conveyance system" or "roof drainage system" means the portion of a rainwater harvesting system that directs collected rainwater to the point of untreated rainwater storage, including gutters, downspouts, roof drains, and connectors.

"Cross-connection" means any physical connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems whereby there exists the possibility for flow from one system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between the two systems.

"Debris excluder" means a screen or other device installed in the gutter or downspout system to prevent the accumulation of leaves, needles, or other debris in the rainwater harvesting system.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Health.

"Designer" means a person who is employed or contracted by an owner to design a rainwater harvesting system and holds certification as a designer pursuant to 12VAC5-635-270 C. Owners may be certified to become designers.

"Disinfection" means a process that inactivates or destroys pathogenic organisms in water by use of a disinfectant. A disinfectant is any chemical and physical agent, including chlorine, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, ozone, and ultraviolet light, added to water in any part of the treatment or distribution process for the purpose of killing or inactivating pathogenic organisms.

"Distribution system" means piping and other components carrying water from a rainwater harvesting system to the point of use.

"End use" means the use of water from a rainwater harvesting system.

"End use tier" means a categorization applied to a rainwater harvesting system based on potable or nonpotable water quality; end use; and potential for human contact, including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.

"Filtration" means a process for removing particulate matter from water by passage through porous media.

"First flush" means a method for the removal of sediment and debris from the collection surface by diverting initial rainfall from entry into the storage unit.

"Harvested rainwater" means water from precipitation, including snowmelt, that falls on an elevated roof not subject to pedestrian access and is directed through gutters and downspouts to a storage tank prior to contact with the ground.

"Human consumption" means drinking, food preparation, dishwashing, bathing, showering, hand washing, teeth brushing, and maintaining oral hygiene.

"Installer" means the service provider responsible for installation of a rainwater harvesting system in accordance with the construction permit.

"Local health department" means the department established in each city and county in accordance with § 32.1-30 of the Code of Virginia.

"Log reduction" means the removal of organisms expressed on a logarithmic scale. For example, a 99.9% is a 3-log removal; whereas a 99.99% is a 4-log removal.

"Log reduction target" means a level of log removal assigned to an end use tier.

"Maintenance" means performing adjustments to equipment and controls and in-kind replacement of normal wear and tear parts such as light bulbs, fuses, filters, pumps, motors, conveyance subsystem components, or other like components. Maintenance includes pumping the tanks or cleaning the system components, including tanks, on a periodic basis. Maintenance shall not include replacement of water storage units or work requiring a construction permit and an installer.

"Nonpotable water" means water not classified as pure water.

"NSF" means NSF International, formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation. NSF collaborates with ANSI and Canadian authorities on drinking water standards development. "NSF/ANSI/CAN" is the abbreviation for that collaboration.

"Operation and maintenance manual" means the set of materials and documentation maintained by an owner containing the instructions and information required by 12VAC5-635-350.

"Operator" means a person employed or contracted by an owner to operate and maintain a rainwater harvesting system and holding certification as a designer, installer, or inspector as described in 12VAC5-635-270 C. Owners may be certified to become operators.

"Owner" means any person, individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, or instrumentality thereof, who owns, leases, or proposes to own or lease a rainwater harvesting system.

"Point of use" means a point in a domestic water system nearest to a water-consuming plumbing fixture where water is used.

"Potable water" or "pure water" means water fit for human consumption that (i) is sanitary and normally free of minerals, organic substances, and toxic agents in excess of reasonable amounts; (ii) is adequate in quantity and quality for the minimum health requirements of the persons served; and (iii) conforms to potable water standards defined in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

"Precipitation" means water that has precipitated from the atmosphere, including rain, snow, sleet, hail, mist, fog, and dew.

"Rainwater harvesting system" means a water system for collecting, storing, potentially treating, and distributing rainwater for an end use.

"Screen" means a filtration device constructed of corrosion-resistant wire or other approved mesh, having openings in determined sizes.

"Secondary water supply" means an alternate source of water that serves a rainwater harvesting system for the purpose of continuity of water supply.

"Service connection" means the point of delivery of water from a rainwater harvesting system to the distribution system of a user. In the case of a building having multiple independent tenants, each independent tenant is considered a service connection for the purpose of this chapter, regardless of distribution system configuration. In general, a service connection is a single residential unit or commercial space.

"Stormwater" means precipitation that is discharged across the land surface or through conveyances to one or more waterways and that may include stormwater runoff, snow melt runoff, and surface runoff and drainage.

"Treatment" means the use of physical, biological, or chemical means to make water suitable for the intended use.

"Treatment system" or "water treatment system" means the equipment and components used to achieve treatment of rainwater, most commonly filtration and disinfection.

"USBC" means the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

"Variance" means a conditional waiver of a specific regulation that is granted to a specific owner relating to a specific situation or facility and may be for a specified time period.

"Water storage unit" means a cistern or tank used as the central storage component of the rainwater harvesting system prior to treatment.

"Waterworks" means a system that serves piped water for human consumption to at least 15 service connections or 25 or more individuals for at least 60 days out of the year.

"Written operational record" means the official record of the maintenance and operations of a rainwater harvesting system that contains the items required in 12VAC5-635-330 C.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-20. Applicability of regulation.

A. This chapter does not apply to rainwater harvesting systems installed, altered, or rehabilitated prior to November 20, 2024, unless the rainwater harvesting system is altered or rehabilitated after November 20, 2024.

B. The following are excluded from the requirements of this chapter.

1. Rain barrels (individual containers used to collect and temporarily store rainwater solely for Tier 1 end use);

2. Rainwater harvesting systems that serve as a source for a waterworks as regulated by the Waterworks Regulations (12VAC5-590);

3. Rainwater harvesting systems for Tier 1, 2, or 3 end use conducted for an agricultural operation as defined by § 3.2-300 of the Code of Virginia; and

4. Stormwater reclamation and reuse systems authorized by the Department of Environmental Quality in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to § 62.1-44.15:28 of the Code of Virginia, including stormwater reclamation and reuse systems that may reclaim combined stormwater and harvested rainwater.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 2, eff. October 8, 2025.

12VAC5-635-30. Relationship to Virginia Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations.

This chapter supersedes 12VAC5-610-1170 of the Virginia Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations, which addresses cisterns, in cases where a cistern is used solely as a component of a rainwater harvesting system subject to the requirements of this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-40. Relationship to the State Water Control Board.

This chapter addresses the standards for the collection and use of that portion of stormwater not regulated in accordance with 9VAC25-31, 9VAC25-32, 9VAC25-151, 9VAC25-840, 9VAC25-870, 9VAC25-880, and 9VAC25-890.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-50. Relationship to the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

A. This chapter is independent of and in addition to the requirements of the USBC in accordance with § 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.

B. All persons required to obtain a rainwater harvesting system installation permit for a system for Tier 4 end use shall furnish a copy of the installation permit to the local building official when making application for a building permit.

C. The applicant for a rainwater harvesting system for Tier 4 end use shall furnish the local building official with a copy of the operating permit demonstrating the potable water supply has been inspected, sampled, and approved by the local health department.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-60. Right of entry and inspections.

In accordance with § 32.1-25 of the Code of Virginia, the commissioner or a designee shall have the right to enter any property to ensure compliance with this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

Part II
Procedural Requirements

12VAC5-635-70. End use tiers for rainwater harvesting systems.

The end use tier categorization of harvested rainwater is based on water quality, intended end uses, and associated potential for human contact through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. The examples of common-use applications are not intended to represent all possible applications. Where end use applications are not listed, or are subject to interpretation, the application shall be categorized based on the highest numbered applicable end use tier description. The end use tiers are as follows:

1. Tier 1. Low exposure end use: Nonpotable water use where humans will rarely come into contact with the treated rainwater due to the nature of the installation that limits direct or indirect contact under normal operation. Examples include trap primers, restricted access spray irrigation, surface and subsurface irrigation, and ice rinks. In this context, restricted access spray irrigation means spray irrigation in fenced or remote locations where human visitation is controlled or prevented.

2. Tier 2. Medium exposure end use: Nonpotable water use where human contact with treated rainwater is indirect or limited. Examples include toilet and urinal flushing, clothes washing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, evaporative cooling, and rooftop thermal cooling.

3. Tier 3. High exposure end use: Nonpotable water use where human contact with treated rainwater is direct. Examples include hose bibs, pressure washing, firefighting or protection and fire suppression, decorative fountains, vehicle washing, and nonrestricted spray irrigation.

4. Tier 4. Potable water end use: Intended for human consumption.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-80. Reserved.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Reserved, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-90. Permits for rainwater harvesting systems; general.

A. No person may install, alter, or rehabilitate or allow the installation, alteration, or rehabilitation of a rainwater harvesting system intended for Tier 4 end use without a written construction permit from the commissioner.

B. Unless suspended or revoked pursuant to 12VAC5-635-190, a construction permit for a Tier 4 rainwater harvesting system shall be valid for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

C. An owner may install and operate a rainwater harvesting system intended for Tier 1, 2, or 3 end use without a permit. The owner of a Tier 1, 2, or 3 end use rainwater harvesting system shall file a registration form with the department within 30 calendar days of the following:

1. Installing a rainwater harvesting system; or

2. The permanent discontinuation of use of a rainwater harvesting system such that harvested rainwater is not used for any purpose.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-100. Application procedures for a construction permit for a rainwater harvesting system for Tier 4 end use.

A. The owner of a proposed rainwater harvesting system shall sign and submit a written permit application to the local health department for the locality where the proposed rainwater harvesting system would be located that contains the following information:

1. The owner's name, address, and telephone number;

2. The applicant's name, address, and telephone number (if different from the owner's);

3. A statement signed by the owner or agent granting the department access to the site to conduct a sanitary survey if underground water storage is proposed and to inspect the rainwater harvesting system after it is installed; and

4. Plans for the proposed rainwater harvesting system, including specifications, design criteria, manufacturer's literature, a proposed schematic, a general layout of any underground water storage, additional written plans for multiple service connection systems, the operation and maintenance manual required pursuant to 12VAC5-635-350, and other supporting information or data the department may request.

C. If underground storage of harvested rainwater is proposed, a general layout shall be provided that includes topography, elevations, contour lines, and existing or proposed streets and identifies the following conditions located within 100 feet horizontally of the proposed water storage units: potential sources of contamination, bodies of water, ditches, buildings, springs, aboveground cisterns, and wells.

D. If the proposed rainwater harvesting system will provide Tier 4 end use water to multiple service connections, the applicant shall include a plan as follows:

1. The plan shall have a cover sheet with suitable title showing the name of the owner, date the plan was prepared, and the name of the licensed individual by or under whom the plans were prepared. The cover sheet and each subsequent page shall bear the same general title and each shall be numbered. Appropriate subtitles shall be included on individual sheets.

2. The plan shall be prepared to a scale that will permit necessary information to be shown clearly and legibly.

3. The plan shall consist of plan views, elevations, sections, and supplementary views that together with the specifications and general layouts provide the working information for the contract and construction of the proposed rainwater harvesting system, including dimensions and relative elevations of structures, the location and outline form of equipment, the location and size of piping, water levels, ground elevations, and erosion control abatement facilities.

4. The plan shall include the technical specifications for the construction of the rainwater harvesting system and all appurtenances. The specifications shall include all construction information not shown on the drawings, which is necessary to inform the installer in detail of the design requirements as to the quality of material workmanship and fabrication of the project; the type, size, strength, operating characteristics, and rating of equipment and materials used in the construction and operation of the rainwater harvesting system; allowable infiltration, machinery, valves, piping, and jointing of pipe, electrical apparatus, wiring, and meters; operating tools and construction materials; miscellaneous appurtenances; chemicals when used; and instructions for testing materials and equipment as necessary to meet design standards and operating test for the complete works and component units.

E. An application shall be deemed complete upon receipt by the local health department of a signed and dated application ].

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-110. Issuance of a construction permit.

The commissioner shall issue a construction permit to the owner no later than 60 calendar days after receipt of a complete application if:

1. The proposed rainwater harvesting system is compliant with this chapter and other applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations; and

2. The owner has obtained the easements pursuant to this chapter and provided the documentation of the easement with the application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-120. Denial of a construction permit.

If the commissioner determines that the proposed rainwater harvesting system does not comply with this chapter or that the installation and operation of the system would create an actual or potential health hazard or nuisance, the commissioner shall deny the construction permit application and notify the owner in writing no later than 60 calendar days after receipt of the complete application with the basis for the denial. The notification shall also state that the owner has the right to appeal the denial in accordance with 12VAC5-635-190.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-130. Revision of approved plans.

A. The rainwater harvesting system designer with the consent of the owner may make certain design changes to a proposed rainwater harvesting system for which a valid construction permit has been issued without prior approval from the department if:

1. The design change does not change the design flow, the proposed filtration means and standard, the proposed disinfection means and standard, or the log reduction targets;

2. The changed design for the rainwater harvesting system complies with applicable statutes, codes, and regulations;

3. The designer provides the department with complete documentation, including a list of changes and revised specifications, calculations, and drawings as part of a revised design package; and

4. The designer and owner ensure that design changes are communicated to the installer of the rainwater harvesting system.

B. The commissioner may suspend or revoke a construction permit if a design change made to the proposed rainwater harvesting system does not comply with this chapter. If the commissioner revokes the construction permit, the owner must submit a new application before continuing with the installation of the rainwater harvesting system.

C. The commissioner shall review changes made to the rainwater harvesting system before issuing an operation permit pursuant to 12VAC5-635-170.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-140. Installation inspection and correction.

A. Upon completion of the installation, alteration, or rehabilitation of a Tier 4 rainwater harvesting system ]:

1. The owner or agent shall submit to the local health department a statement signed by the installer certifying that the rainwater harvesting system was installed, altered, or rehabilitated in accordance with the construction permit and that the rainwater harvesting system complies with applicable state and local regulations, ordinances, and laws;

2. The designer shall thoroughly inspect the system installation to determine whether the installation was completed in accordance with the approved evaluation and design, including any revisions made pursuant to 12VAC5-635-130; and

3. The designer shall submit to the local health department a signed inspection report stating that the installation was completed in accordance with the approved evaluation and design revised only in accordance with the provisions of 12VAC5-635-130.

B. If the designer observes deficiencies during the inspection, the designer shall note the deficiencies in the inspection report and include a plan of correction that includes the specific corrective actions that will be taken to bring the rainwater harvesting system into compliance with this chapter, the date on which the corrective actions will be completed, and the date the designer will perform a follow-up inspection of the corrected rainwater harvesting system.

C. After the follow-up inspection, the designer shall submit a signed inspection report to the local health department affirming whether the corrective actions have been taken and whether the rainwater harvesting system is installed in compliance with the approved evaluation and design.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-150. Requirement for an easement.

A. If a rainwater harvesting system or a portion of the rainwater harvesting system is proposed to be installed on property other than the owner's, the owner must obtain an easement in perpetuity of sufficient area to permit access to install, maintain, and operate the rainwater harvesting system components from the appropriate property owner and record the easement with the clerk of the circuit court before issuance of a construction permit.

B. The owner shall submit legal documentation of recordation of the easement or a signed statement that the easement will be recorded within 45 calendar days to the appropriate local health department with the application for a construction permit.

C. If the owner does not obtain, properly record, and submit documentation of the easement, the owner may not install or operate the rainwater harvesting system on the property for which the easement was denied.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-160. Land records.

A. Before the commissioner may issue an operation permit for a Tier 4 rainwater harvesting system , the owner must:

1. Record an instrument describing applicable annual water quality testing and maintenance requirements for each component of the rainwater harvesting system in the land records of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the site of the rainwater harvesting system; and

2. Submit to the local health department legal documentation indicating that the instrument has been duly recorded in the land records.

B. The instrument recorded pursuant to this section shall be transferred with the title to the property upon the sale or other transfer of the property in which the rainwater harvesting system is located.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-170. Issuance of operation permit.

A. No Tier 4 rainwater harvesting system may be operated, except for the purposes of testing the system, until the commissioner has issued an operation permit to the owner.

B. If the owner has complied with the requirements of 12VAC5-635-140, 12VAC5-635-160, and this section, the commissioner shall issue to the owner a Tier 4 end use permit to operate the rainwater harvesting system ].

C. The issuance of an operation permit does not denote or imply a warranty or guarantee by the department that the rainwater harvesting system will function for any specified period of time. The owner shall maintain, repair, or replace a rainwater harvesting system that ceases to operate as defined in the operation permit and operation and maintenance manual.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-180. Variances.

A. In accordance with § 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia and this chapter, the commissioner may grant a variance to a requirement of this chapter.

B. The commissioner may grant a variance if an investigation reveals that, in the opinion of the commissioner, a hardship imposed by a requirement within this chapter, including an economic hardship, outweighs the benefits that may be received by the public and that granting the variance does not subject the public to unreasonable health risks or environmental pollution.

C. The owner shall submit a signed, written application for a variance to the appropriate local health department. The application shall include:

1. A citation to the section to which a variance is requested;

2. The nature and duration of the variance requested;

3. Any relevant analytical results, including results of relevant tests conducted pursuant to the requirements of this chapter;

4. The specific hardship created by the requirement to which a variance is requested;

5. Statements or evidence that establishes that the public health or welfare and the environment would not be adversely affected if the variance were granted;

6. Suggested conditions that might be imposed on the granting of a variance that would limit the detrimental impact on the public health and welfare;

7. Other information believed pertinent by the applicant; and

8. Other information the local health department or commissioner may require.

D. In the evaluation of a variance application, the commissioner shall consider:

1. The effect that the variance would have on the construction, location, or operation of the rainwater harvesting system;

2. The cost and other economic considerations imposed by the requirement to which the variance is sought;

3. The effect that such a variance would have on protection of the public health or welfare and the environment;

4. Relevant analytical results, including results of relevant tests conducted pursuant to the requirements of this chapter; and

5. Information or materials on the application for a variance submitted per this section.

E. The commissioner shall not recognize as a hardship the cost to correct an error created by a design change initiated by the owner or designer for which approval by the department was required pursuant to 12VAC5-635-130 but was not obtained.

F. The commissioner may deny any applicant for a variance by sending a written denial notice to the applicant that states the reasons for the rejection. If the commissioner denies the variance, the owner shall be provided with an opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding as provided in § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia.

G. If the commissioner proposes to grant a variance request submitted pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall notify the owner in writing of the decision within 60 calendar days of receipt of the variance request. The notice shall identify the requirement to which the variance is granted, the rainwater harvesting system covered, the period of time for which the variance will be effective, and the conditions imposed pursuant to issuing the variance.

H. Unless otherwise stated in the terms or conditions of the variance, the variance shall be transferred with the permit if the owner of a rainwater harvesting system sells or otherwise transfers ownership of the rainwater harvesting system to a new owner.

I. If a permit is revoked or suspended, variances attached to it shall also be revoked or suspended.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-190. Enforcements, notices, informal conferences, appeals.

A. Rainwater harvesting systems shall be installed, operated, and maintained in compliance with the requirements as set forth in this chapter. The commissioner may enforce this chapter through the means lawfully available pursuant to Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia, and nothing in this chapter shall be construed as preventing the commissioner from making efforts to obtain compliance through warning, conference, or other appropriate enforcement means.

B. The commissioner may deny a permit application or suspend or revoke a permit issued pursuant to this chapter if:

1. The permit holder fails to comply with this chapter, applicable law, or a condition imposed on the permit; or

2. The commissioner is made aware that:

a. The facts upon which the approval of a construction permit was based were knowingly and willfully misrepresented; or

b. The installation or operation of the proposed rainwater harvesting system could create a substantial or imminent public health or environmental hazard.

C. The commissioner shall notify the owner of a notice of suspension in writing via certified mail or via hand delivery. Immediately upon receipt of a notice of suspension, the owner shall cease operation of the rainwater harvesting system.

D. The owner of a permitted rainwater harvesting system shall ensure the continuity of water supply to persons who use the rainwater harvesting system's treated water for human consumption. If the owner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that ceasing the operation of a permitted rainwater harvesting system would endanger the health of the persons who use the rainwater harvesting system's finished water, the commissioner may issue a variance to the requirement to cease operation pursuant to 12VAC5-635-180.

E. Within 10 working days of receipt of a notice of denial of an application or suspension of a permit, the owner may request an informal conference in accordance with § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. The owner must file the request for an informal conference in writing with the local health department within the locality that the rainwater harvesting system is located. If a request for an informal conference is not filed within 10 working days, the denial or suspension is sustained.

F. Within 10 working days of receipt of a notice of denial, suspension, or intent to revoke, the owner shall submit to the appropriate local health department a plan of correction that includes:

1. The specific corrective actions that will be taken to address the reasons for denial, suspension, or revocation and bring the rainwater harvesting system into compliance with this chapter and other applicable requirements;

2. The date on which the corrective actions are expected to be completed; and

3. If the rainwater harvesting system is in operation, an application for a construction permit for alteration, repair, or rehabilitation of the rainwater harvesting system pursuant to 12VAC5-635-100.

G. Within 10 working days of the receipt of the plan of correction, the department shall:

1. Notify the owner in writing if any item is determined to be unacceptable; and

2. Act on an application for a construction permit to perform repairs pursuant to this section.

H. If the owner does not submit a plan of correction or request an informal conference within 10 working days, the department shall notify the owner in writing that the application for a permit is denied or that the permit is deemed suspended or revoked.

I. The department shall arrange for an informal conference to be held within seven working days of receipt of a request for an informal conference pursuant to this section.

J. The commissioner may end a suspension and reinstate a permit at any time if the conditions under which the permit was suspended have changed or no longer exist.

K. The owner must reapply for a permit in order to continue installing or operating a rainwater harvesting system for which the permit has been revoked.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

Part III
Design and Installation

12VAC5-635-200.   Cross-connection abatement.

No rainwater harvesting system may be installed, operated, or allowed on any premises where cross-connection to a waterworks or a private well exists, unless the cross-connections are abated or controlled by means including cross-connection control and backflow prevention in accordance with the USBC. Where cross-connection to a waterworks exists, the cross-connection shall be abated or controlled to the satisfaction of the waterworks.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-210. Backflow prevention.

A. A rainwater harvesting system shall be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent contamination of secondary water supplies by backflow. Backflow prevention shall be achieved by one or more of the following:

1. Backflow elimination methods, including air gap separation or physical disconnection;

2. Backflow prevention assemblies, including the reduced pressure principle, double check valve, and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies; or

3. If backflow prevention is not generally required to withstand continuous pressure over 12 hours or to control high hazards, a backflow prevention device, including atmospheric type vacuum breakers and dual check valve devices.

B. Backflow prevention assemblies and backflow prevention devices shall be suitable to the application and shall conform to the USBC.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.

12VAC5-635-220. Water storage unit location.

A. An underground water storage unit for a rainwater harvesting system shall be sited with appropriate consideration given to distance from potential contamination sources, vulnerability to known or suspected natural risks (e.g., flooding and sink holes), potential for interference with utilities, and safety.

B. If the rainwater harvesting system will include an underground installation of a water storage unit, the designer shall conduct a sanitary survey, including investigation of obvious sources of toxic or dangerous substances within 200 feet of the water storage unit. Sources of contamination may include items listed in Table 1. The minimum separation distance between an underground water storage unit and sources of contamination shall comply with the minimum distances shown in Table 1.

C. An aboveground water storage unit shall be installed on a sturdy and level foundation or platform with adequate drainage capable of bearing the weight of the unit at capacity. If multiple storage units are connected, compliant fittings must be used and installed in a manner that provides adequate flexibility to allow for unit settlement or movement.

D. A water storage unit and associated pipes and pipe fittings and appurtenances to be installed in locations subject to direct sunlight shall be constructed of materials stable under ultraviolet light exposure anticipated over the life of the system.

E. A water storage unit shall be supported and restrained to prevent lateral movement. Support and restraint devices may not be placed in a manner that will obstruct access for cleaning and maintenance.

F. A water storage unit subject to a shallow water table shall be ballasted or otherwise secured to prevent floatation or lateral movement. The unit shall be designed to withstand structural stresses of hydrostatic pressure and buoyancy. If partially buried, design shall include provision to withstand the weight of backfill.

G. A water storage unit subject to vehicular traffic shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions and the USBC.

H. A water storage unit shall have at least one access opening to allow inspection and cleaning of the unit interior. The access opening shall be located to facilitate pumping and servicing of inlets and outlets. The access opening shall be locked or otherwise secured to prevent unauthorized access and shall be located at a finished grade such that surface water ponding does not occur under annual precipitation extreme conditions.

I. A water storage unit shall be fitted with an overflow discharge system with the following requirements:

1. Overflow is not less than the capacity of the inlets;

2. Unit overflow pipes are protected from insects and vermin;

3. Piping associated with unit overflow discharges water away from the unit and in accordance with the USBC;

4. Discharge of unit overflow is directed to prevent hazardous conditions;

5. No shutoff valves are incorporated into discharge piping;

6. Cleanouts are provided on overflow piping in accordance with the USBC;

7. If connected to storm drainage systems, the storm drainage systems have a means to prevent backflow; and

8. Overflows are not directed to onsite sewage systems or sanitary sewers.

J. A water storage unit shall be fitted with a vent pipe having a minimum 38.1 mm diameter protected with 1.5 mm mesh to prevent the entry of vermin and particulates.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-248.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 5, eff. November 20, 2024.