Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Department of Health
 
Board
State Board of Health
 
chapter
Rainwater Harvesting Systems Regulations [12 VAC 5 ‑ 635]
Action Rainwater Harvesting Regulations
Stage Final
Comment Period Ended on 11/20/2024
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7 comments

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10/21/24  10:38 am
Commenter: Tameka Hatcher

Rain Water Harvesting
 

     I‘m excited to read the news of approved regulations for rain water harvesting! The approval and regulation of Virginians being legally allowed harvest rain water will help preserve the natural water cycle.  In any case, rain that falls on sealed surfaces such as roofs or driveways too often ends up in the sewage system. If you store rainwater on site instead, you use it to water your garden. Harvesting water preserves the natural water cycle, almost as if the area had not been ravished by our built up communities at all. It doesn’t stop there, harvested rain can be used for many purposes around the household such as, washing laundry, flushing toilets, and much more  Not only is it best for the environment, it will also save consumers’ money. Special thanks to Tyrone Jarvis, owner of GO GREEN AUTO, for his persistence, focus and leadership in seeing the legalization of Harvesting Rain Water Regulations for VIRGINIANS.

CommentID: 228144
 

11/19/24  12:37 pm
Commenter: Leslie Jarvis

Rainwater Harvesting
 

Today marks the culmination of a journey—a fight not just for rainwater, but for a principle as ancient as humanity itself: the right to live in harmony with nature’s gifts. Rain is not the property of bureaucracy. It is the gentle hand of God replenishing the earth, a resource so pure and abundant that the very act of catching it should be seen as both a right and a responsibility. Yet, here we stand, having fought long and hard, through a maze of red tape, to affirm what John Locke so wisely proclaimed—that nature’s bounty is ours to steward, not hoard, and that liberty extends to those who seek sustainability.

 

The struggle has been steep, marked by frustration at the hurdles placed before us, but it has also been brightened by the hope of what this regulation represents: a turning point. Let this moment stand as a testament to the resilience of those who believe in a sustainable future. Let my grandchildren know that we fought not just for rainwater, but for their inheritance—a world where catching rain is no longer seen as an act requiring permission, but as a Lockean principle, rooted in the freedoms we cherish under the 9th Amendment of our great Constitution.

 

To those who come after, know this: the battle was worth it. Let the rain you catch remind you of those who came before, and let it nurture not just your gardens, but your hope for a future where humanity and nature work as one. May this regulation be a drop in the larger flood of progress, proof that even against resistance, the waters of justice flow.

CommentID: 228884
 

11/19/24  4:49 pm
Commenter: Beth Gillus

Much needed regulation
 

It is not often that we are able to directly trace the effects of laws that are implemented, however this law affects my family DIRECTLY. I am so happy that Newport News saw the value of harvesting rainwater and recognized individuals ability to safely sanitize and store water. YEAAAAAA TYRONE AND LESLIE JARVIS for taking the bull by the horns, standing on business, and rewriting Virginia Law!! Go Green Auto Care will forever be written in history for being on the forefront of lawmakers in the areas of water preservation and ecology stewardship!! 

CommentID: 228889
 

11/19/24  7:16 pm
Commenter: Kansas and Donovan Jarvis

Progress for a Hopeful Future
 

This is a tremendous step in water conservation efforts around the world. I am proud to say that Virginia is supportive of progressive ideas related to the environment. Thank you to Leslie and Tyrone Jarvis who gave so much of their free time to turn the tide. You saw a need for change and led the way to ensure we were headed in the right direction. Thank you for not only me but my children and their children. 

CommentID: 228891
 

11/19/24  7:26 pm
Commenter: Alexander Jarvis

Love this!
 

Rainwater harvesting is a practical, sustainable solution to support our communities and environment. These regulations are a critical step toward making it accessible to all, reducing strain on public water systems, and promoting self-reliance. This is progress that benefits everyone—let’s continue to support common-sense policies like this.

CommentID: 228892
 

11/19/24  7:39 pm
Commenter: Rashida, Khalil & Nasim Favard

YASSSS! Go Green!!!
 

To keep this short and sweet, we are so very proud of Leslie and Tyrone Jarvis accomplishing such a monumental feat. Way to fight climate change and leave a home for your family and the generations to follow. You both are idols to us, something to strive towards in our own lives. Such an amazing legacy to leave to your grands!!! LOVE YALL !! <33

CommentID: 228895
 

11/20/24  11:31 pm
Commenter: Mrs. Montez Teale

A Momentous Decision!
 
Immense Pride and Appreciation to Tyrone and Leslie Jarvis for their strong advocacy and diligence in initiating and elevating “rainwater harvesting,” a much-needed sustainable method that will help to preserve our earth’s water supply; thus, sustaining human life, into a law. Bravo to Virginia State for standing with Tyrone and Leslie Jarvis in their fight to make rainwater harvesting legal for all Virginians! And, thank you to the Virginia State Representatives and their staff who supported Leslie and Tyrone Jarvis in their long journey to get our state to this point in time. This is a progressive momentous decision for humanity and our earth. Please continue to stand strong with Leslie and Tyrone Jarvis, owners of (Go Green Auto Care) for the days ahead in implementing a model infrastructure of rainwater harvesting in our state of Virginia!
CommentID: 228906