Yes, rainwater collection is legal in Taiwan but subject to strict water resource management laws enforced by the Water Resources Agency (WRA) and local governments. Under the Water Act and Groundwater Act, unlicensed extraction exceeding 1,000 m³/year or storage over 10 m³ may require permits. Recent 2026 amendments tighten oversight for large-scale systems to prevent unauthorized groundwater recharge interference.
Key Regulations for Rainwater Collection in Taiwan
- Water Act (1972, amended 2026): Requires permits for systems collecting >1,000 m³/year or storing >10 m³, with WRA approval for discharge/recharge activities.
- Groundwater Act (2017): Prohibits rainwater collection systems from altering natural groundwater recharge zones or causing subsidence; local environmental protection bureaus (EPBs) monitor compliance.
- Local Ordinances: Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung enforce additional restrictions—e.g., Taipei’s Water Resource Management Regulations mandate filtration standards for potable reuse systems.
Non-compliance risks fines up to NT$5 million (≈US$160,000) under the Water Pollution Control Act if systems contaminate water sources. Agricultural or industrial users must align with WRA’s Water Rights Allocation Plan, while residential systems under 10 m³ typically face minimal oversight. Consult the WRA’s 2025 Rainwater Utilization Guidelines for system design specifications.