Quick Resource: Policy Options for Implementing Water Harvesting

There are several policy options available to communities who wish to encourage or require water harvesting. Common water harvesting implementation options are outlined below. Though much less research has focused on water harvesting in the Southwest than in wetter parts of the country like Portland, Oregon and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, several communities in this arid and semi-arid region have adopted policies that encourage or require water harvesting. These Southwest-specific efforts are listed in conjunction with the definitions of each implementation option.

Keywords: policy options, demonstration sites, pilot projects, code barriers, stormwater utility, stormwater fee, incentives, regulation