menu help and contact you have an emergency? my online account Home > PROCEDURES AND ADVICE > Move-in and work > Building / carrying out work > Collecting rainwater Rainwater can cover part of your water consumption, but only for non-food use and in compliance with the rules set by the decree of August 21, 2008 relating to the collection of rainwater and its use at inside and outside buildings. Here are some good practices. WHAT USE CAN YOU MAKE OF IT? You can collect rainwater but you cannot use it for your food consumption or to wash yourself. The reason is simple: rainwater has not been treated and can therefore be loaded with harmful microorganisms. This water can be used for: watering your houseplants and your garden; washing your car; washing your floors; feeding your toilets and washing your laundry (subject to specific equipment). HOW TO COLLECT RAINWATER? Rainwater harvesting can be done using cisterns or more sophisticated systems such as underground tanks. If you want to use rainwater for domestic use, you must hire a plumber to connect your rainwater collection installation to your household equipment (toilets and / or washing machine only). The plumber will have to install a non-return valve so as not to pollute the water in the city. Once the work has been carried out, you will need to make a declaration of use to your town hall as provided for in article R 2224-19-4 of the general code of local authorities. Indeed, the rainwater collected and used for domestic use is discharged into the sewers, therefore subject to the sanitation tax. WHAT THE LAW SAYS ? “Every owner has the right to use and dispose of rainwater that falls on his land”. This is what the Civil Code indicates in its article 641 . The decree of August 21, 2008 goes further and specifies the conditions relating to the recovery of rainwater. Some regulatory details Rainwater harvesting equipment, such as underground tanks, must be maintained regularly. You must be able to present a maintenance log specifying the checks and maintenance if a check is carried out. Pipes carrying rainwater must be marked "non-potable water". RAINWATER, A RESOURCE TO BE PRESERVED Even fallen from the sky, water remains a resource to be preserved. A few good gestures, such as watering your garden in the evening, avoid unnecessary consumption. More information on our page "Good gestures in my garden" The right gestures Your review in | es Contact Legal notice Terms of use