http://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/La-recupera ... pluie.html
Recovery of rainwater, its use inside and outside buildings (framework and regulations)
Created on August 29 2008
Updated October 20, 2008
The recovery and use of rainwater for certain uses and under certain technical conditions must be encouraged, this is why a tax credit was voted under the law on water and the environment. December 30, 2006.
Storing rainwater in a cistern to water your garden is an ancient practice that has often been abandoned and is again given pride of place.
Rainwater harvesting allows users to save money and conserve water resources. The recovery of rainwater is also of interest by limiting the impact of rainwater discharges in urban areas, particularly in view of the growth in soil waterproofing and the flooding problems that may result.
The interest in collecting and storing rainwater is modest for domestic uses and poorly controlled reuse in a home can pose health problems. In fact, the recovered rainwater, trickled downstream from the roofs, does not respect the regulatory quality limits defined for drinking water and may contain pathogenic microorganisms. From the moment there is a double network, there is a risk of misunderstanding, and these risks should be prevented by a clear display, or even taps requiring a special key.
Regulation
The methods of using rainwater are explained in the decree of August 21, 2008, published in OJ No. 0201 of August 29, 2008 (see online).
To do what ?
Rainwater collected downstream of inaccessible roofs can be used for domestic uses outside the building, for the evacuation of excreta and washing the floors inside buildings and, on an experimental basis and under conditions, for washing clothes
Professional and industrial uses of rainwater are authorized, with the exception of those which require the use of water intended for human consumption as defined in article R.1321-1 of the health code public, in compliance with the specific regulations in force and in particular regulation (EC) n ° 852/2004 of April 29, 2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the hygiene of foodstuffs (see online).
Where ?
In buildings used for residential or similar purposes, the presence of water withdrawal valves each distributing water of different quality is prohibited in the same room, with the exception of cellars, basements and other rooms attached to housing. [/ b]
Because the use of rainwater can increase the probability of sanitary contamination (Reminder: recovered rainwater, trickled downstream from the roofs, does not meet the regulatory quality limits defined for drinking water and may contain pathogenic microorganisms), [b] the use of rainwater is prohibited inside:
• health and social and medical-social establishments for the elderly;
• medical offices, dental offices, medical biology analysis laboratories and blood transfusion establishments;
• crèches, nursery and elementary schools.
(see online)
How?
Connection between networks
Because rainwater does not meet the regulatory quality limits defined for drinking water, any connection, whether temporary or permanent, of the rainwater network with the water distribution network intended for human consumption is prohibited. However, to meet the needs when the rainwater storage tank is empty, the water supply to the rainwater distribution system from the distribution network of water intended for human consumption is ensured by a permanent overflow disconnection system installed.
Signaling
Rainwater distribution pipes, inside buildings, are explicitly identified by a "non-potable water" pictogram, at all of the following points: inlet and outlet of valves and devices, at bulkhead passages and walls.
In the immediate vicinity of each draw-off point, a sign must be installed which includes the words "non-potable water" and an explicit pictogram.
Care instructions
Rainwater recovery equipment must be regularly maintained, in particular by evacuating filtration refusals;
The owner regularly checks:
• cleanliness of rainwater recovery equipment;
• the existence of signaling from networks and withdrawal points;
• the proper functioning of the disconnection system.
The owner establishes, and keeps up to date, a health book and informs the occupants of the building of the modalities of operation of the equipment (see online)
Reporting obligation
The water recovered and used inside the building which is returned to the sewers is subject to the sanitation tax. The owner makes a declaration of use in town hall, as provided for in article R 2224-19-4 of the general code of local authorities (see online).
Activity subject to control
In order to prevent the risks of contamination of the public water network (since the rainwater collected, trickled downstream of the roofs may contain pathogenic microorganisms), article 57 of the law on water and aquatic environments of December 30, 2006 (art. L. 2224-12 of the general code of local authorities) provides that the service regulations provide for the possibility for water service agents, in the event of use of a water resource different from that coming from the public distribution network, to access private property to carry out the control of the interior installations for the distribution of drinking water and the sampling works, wells and boreholes, this control being the responsibility of the subscriber.
If there is a risk of contamination of water from the public network, the service instructs the subscriber to implement the necessary protective measures. If the measures have not been implemented, the service can close the connection (read decree n ° 2008-652 dated 2 July 2008).
Tax credit
Article 49 of the law on water and aquatic environments of December 30, 2006, introduced a tax credit relating to the cost of rainwater recovery and treatment equipment paid between January 1, 2007 and December 31 2009.
The tax credit is 25% of the amount of eligible equipment. For the same main residence, the amount of expenses giving entitlement to the tax credit may not exceed, for the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009, the sum of 8 euros for a single person, widowed or divorced and 000 16 euros for a married couple subject to common taxation.
Order of October 3, 2008 made for the application of article 200 quater of the general tax code relating to the expenditure of equipment of the main dwelling and modifying article 18 bis of appendix IV to this code (link to legifrance.gouv.fr)
