Rainwater Harvesting for Non-Potable Uses
SB 38: A new tool for sustainable water resource management in Illinois

Chief Sponsors: Ill. Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Highwood)

Currently there are no minimum standards in the State Plumbing Code for capture of rainwater on site and re-use for non-potable purposes. As a result, local health boards have minimal ability to assure their communities that use of this technology is safe.  SB 38 would reverse that, and require the Dept. of Health to establish minimum standards. Being able to utilize stormwater to flush toilets would reduce the need for costly infrastructure investments by reducing stormwater runoff, easing strain on wastewater systems, and lessening the amount of treated drinking water being used for non-potable purposes.