Jeff Cassman

So, Is It Illegal To Collect Rainwater in Minnesota?

For self-reliant folks, obtaining and keeping access to off-grid utilities is critical if you want to be prepared for the worst situations possible.

Luckily, one of the most critical resources, water, is also the easiest to obtain totally off-grid by the use of rain-catching systems.

These systems can supply hundreds of gallons of water from just a passing storm. But, as hard as it is to believe, collecting rainwater is not always legal, and in some states it is heavily regulated.

How about Minnesota? Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Minnesota?

No, it isn’t illegal to collect rainwater in Minnesota though setting up your own system will require you to get permitted and adhere to Minnesota board plumbing codes. Minnesota has its own plumbing code which is not uniform with international standards, making this trickier than it has to be.

The good news is that you can harvest rainwater for non-potable purposes in Minnesota, but the bad news is you’ll have to go through a proper dog and pony show trying to check all of the boxes required for the Minnesota plumbing board to get your permit.

It’s not great, but at least it’s possible. I’ll tell you everything else you need to know about Minnesota’s rainwater collection laws below…

Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the State Level in Minnesota?

No, collecting rainwater is not illegal at the state level in Minnesota as explained in Minnesota Administrative Rules 4714.1602.

However, as previously mentioned, the implementation of any rainwater harvesting systems requires obtaining permits and compliance with the Minnesota Plumbing Board, or MPB.

The MBP regulates the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems including those for rainwater harvesting through the Minnesota Plumbing Code.

Minnesota law requires that harvested rainwater is used only for non-potable purposes and must be properly stored to prevent contamination.

Rainwater must also be used in a way that doesn’t cause harm to public health or the environment.

Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the County Level in Minnesota?

No, at least in no county I found. But, do keep in mind that county or local laws and guidelines may have additional regulations or restrictions on the collection and use of rainwater beyond what the state law imposes.

Some counties may have sharply limited or totally prohibited the installation of rainwater harvesting systems due to water shortage or contamination concerns.

You must check with your county and city or town for guidelines before buying equipment and implementing a rainwater harvesting practice.

You may also need additional local permits beyond what the state demands: failing to do so may entail fines and charges.

Under What Conditions Can Citizens Collect Rainwater in Minnesota?

Citizens can generally collect rainwater whenever they want in Minnesota so long as they have an inspected and permitted system for the purpose.

Something to bear in mind is that, despite the state allowing “at will” collection for approved…

So, Is It Illegal To Collect Rainwater in Illinois?

Rainwater is a valuable resource for people living in any areas where water is scarce or expensive. It is also a godsend, if you can collect it, anytime the usual supplies are offline or contaminated.

the flag of Illinois

Naturally, many preppers are keen to invest in rainwater catching and storage systems so they can ensure they have a supply of safe water no matter what is going on in the world.

But, believe it or not the legality of rainwater harvesting is somewhat ambiguous in various states, and rules and regs abound. How about Illinois? Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Illinois?

No, it is not illegal to collect rainwater in Illinois. However, the state does have some rules about how it can be used and stored for later use, and local governments can force system owners to comply with state plumbing laws and codes.

Hardly a surprise considering how litigious and out of control government, at all levels, is in Illinois.

But, that’s just the way it goes, and depending on where you live in the state you might have an easy time getting a system installed and using your rainwater, or you might have a very, very hard time.

Keep reading and I will tell you more about some of the current laws and issues related to rainwater collection in Illinois.

Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the State Level in Illinois?

No, collecting rainwater isn’t illegal at the state level in Illinois. However, there are specific regulations that individuals must follow to ensure that their systems meet certain criteria.

Plus, the state government has empowered all local governments to force adherence to state plumbing laws and codes for private rainwater collection systems.

Even smaller, residential-scale systems are not exempt from permit and inspection requirements as long as local governments dictate.

For example, the systems must be proven to not pose a public health risk, must not negatively impact the environment or neighboring properties, and must not impact the water quality of any civic systems, streams, rivers, or groundwater.

Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the County Level?

No, technically, but in some areas the practice will be so odiously overregulated that it might as well be illegal.

While collecting rainwater is not illegal at the state level in Illinois, counties and municipalities have their own guidelines, codes, and regulations, and these are bolstered by the state government allowing them to enforce state plumbing laws and codes on local users. See SB0032, SB0038 and SB2549.

For example, Cook County has provisions and guidelines that only commercial and industrial properties must follow if they are considering a rainwater harvesting system.

Other counties, such as McHenry County, have no specific regulations on rainwater harvesting per se, but may require a building permit for any rain barrels or cisterns depending on the location and purpose of the system.

It is recommended that residents…

The House That Nirvana Build

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Common Garden Pests and How to Manage Them [Infographic]

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How To Make A Long-Term Financial Security Plan

I hope this article leaves you with a stronger sense of self-reliance, which is crucial in times of crisis. When emergencies arise, you can only rely on yourself and your immediate family, as there’s no guarantee that the millions of caring individuals in the world will be able to assist you.

To become more self-reliant, it’s important to establish a plan for achieving long-term financial security. Here are some actionable steps you can take towards that goal.

Get rid of debt

First, free yourself from the shackles of debt, as being indebted makes you a slave to your debt holder and relinquishes control of your finances. Resolve to avoid using credit to make purchases going forward, and adjust your budget to pay off your debts as quickly as possible. Start by paying off one debt at a time while making minimum payments on your other debts until you are completely debt-free.

Make an emergency fund

When life throws unexpected financial challenges your way, it can feel overwhelming and stressful. That’s why establishing an emergency fund is one of the best steps you can take to prepare for economic troubles. Your emergency fund should be divided into three main categories to ensure that you are prepared for any situation:

Cash-on-hand fund:

It’s crucial to have a ready supply of cash available at all times. In the event of an emergency, banks may be closed, and cards may not be accepted, so you’ll need cash to pay for essential items like supplies, fuel, or hotel rooms. Natural disasters, power grid failures, and sudden evacuations can happen anywhere and without warning. Therefore, keep cash on hand and invest in a secure wall safe to store your funds at home.

Short-term fund:

This is the fund you turn to for immediate emergencies, such as an unexpected car repair or replacing a major appliance that stopped working. It should be kept at a local bank with a debit card attached to the account, so you can access your money immediately. Short-term funds can also help you get through larger events where it may take a couple of days to access your long-term emergency fund.

Long-term fund:

This reserve of money is intended to help you get through more extended periods of difficulties, such as a job loss or a major natural disaster. While this fund should be accessible quickly, it should not be too easy to access, as you may be tempted to use it for everyday spending. It’s recommended to save at least six months of regular expenses and place it in a savings or money market account. Remember, this is an insurance policy, not an investment fund, so don’t worry about making money on this account.

By establishing an emergency fund, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for any financial challenge life may throw your way.

Build a stockpile of long term goods

<img src="https://prepperswill.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Build-a-stockpile-of-long-term-goods-1024×683.jpeg" alt="build a stockpile of long term goods"…

Ideas for home-made insulation – The Homestead Survival

Cheap and effective solutions to increase comfort

Thermal insulation is becoming increasingly important in the context of rising energy costs and concerns about protecting the environment. A well-insulated home not only reduces energy costs, but also improves comfort. Here are some home insulation ideas that can help you to keep your home warmer and more energy efficient.

Thermal curtains

In the first quarter of this article, we look at thermal curtains, which offer a simple and cost-effective way to insulate your home. Thermal curtains are thicker and more densely woven than traditional curtains, preventing heat from flowing through windows. Thermal curtains are easy to install, as they simply need to be hung on the existing curtain rail.
An argument in favour of thermal curtains is that, in addition to their thermal insulation properties, they are also aesthetically pleasing. They are available on the market in a wide range of styles and colours, making them easy to match the interior design of your home.

Thermal insulation foil

Thermal insulation film is another home solution for insulating windows. The film is applied to the window glass where it reduces heat transmission and heat loss. There are different types of insulating films to choose from, such as reflective films, which reflect sunlight to reduce the heating of the interior during the summer months.

Installation of insulation materials

Another option for insulating buildings is to install insulation materials. This method is particularly effective for insulating walls, floors and ceilings. Insulation materials can be natural or synthetic. Natural insulating materials include, for example, cellulose, glass wool, rock wool, wood shavings or fibrous insulating materials. Synthetic insulation materials include polystyrene, polyurethane and other plastic-based products.

By using home-made insulation ideas, insulation materials can be applied in layers in walls, floors or ceilings to improve energy efficiency and comfort. However, it is important to seek professional help to ensure that insulation materials are properly installed and that they are vapour and air permeable.

Door and window insulation

Gaps around doors and windows can cause significant heat loss, so it is worth paying attention to this area during insulation projects. Insulating doors and windows can be done using insulation tape, sealant or even sponges. Duct tapes and sealants can be used to minimise air flow, which contributes to better insulation and savings.

Thermal insulation with lifestyle changes

Last but not least, insulation can be supported by lifestyle changes. For example, adjusting the day and night temperatures of the heating system, reducing the duration of ventilation and keeping rooms properly sealed. These simple changes can make a significant contribution to the insulation and energy efficiency of your home.

In summary, home insulation ideas offer simple, cost-effective and efficient ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. The installation of thermal curtains, insulation films, insulating materials and proper insulation of doors and windows all contribute to reducing energy costs and protecting the environment. Lifestyle changes, such as setting the right temperature and reducing ventilation time, further increase the effectiveness of thermal insulation.

In addition…

EPIC Urges FCC to Lower Prices, Reduce Surveillance on Prison Telecommunications

In comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), EPIC urged the Commission to minimize allowable charges for security costs and site fees, and to require secure accommodations for attorney-client privileged communications on prison phone and video-visitation systems. The Commission is implementing the Martha Wright-Reed Act of 2022, passed to expand the Commission’s authority to regulate video-conferencing and other jail and prison communications systems. The act gives the FCC the power and instruction to lower often exorbitant rates charged to the friends and families of incarcerated people.

EPIC highlighted the troubling practice of passing off the costs of unneccessary surveillance onto consumers, and for facilities to enjoy kickbacks from these fees. EPIC also urged the Commission to act swiftly to require accommodations that would allow lawyers to video-call and email their clients without breaching attorney-client privilege. The comments also urged the FCC to read its existing authorities broadly to regulate e-messaging systems in jails and prisons. These messaging systems are a key link between incarcerated people and their loved ones but are remarkably expensive and provide no privacy whatsoever.

EPIC previously filed an amicus brief seeking to protect attorney-client privileged information from cell-phone searches at the border and regularly engages with Congress and the FCC to protect phone privacy.

How to Build a Healthy Pizza | Homesteading Simple Self Sufficient Off-The-Grid

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Will No-Dig Work for Your Garden? – reThinkSurvival.com

No-dig gardening is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than tilling before planting a garden, you strategically build up rich layers of compost, manure and even cardboard to amend the soil. No-dig gardening — also called the no-till or no-plow method — stifles weeds, boosts biodiversity, prevents erosion and improves soil health. Here’s how to get started.

Deciding If No-Till Is Right for You

No-dig gardening is an excellent way to grow your own food without harming the surrounding ecosystem. In fact, 37% of conventional U.S. agriculture uses no-till methods. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding if you should plant a no-dig garden:

Time: The first year of no-dig gardening might have ups and downs — especially if the land is degraded. You may see lower yields and more weeds than usual for a while.
Location: If you live in a very cold or dry climate, you’ll have to work harder at growing a garden — whether no-till or traditional — than if you live in a mild, temperate growing zone with ample rainfall.
Supplies: You’ll need cardboard or newspapers, compost, manure and gardening soil. If you’re starting your garden in tall weeds, poor soil or a very rocky area, you’ll need many more of these supplies.
Patience: No-till gardening is more complicated than other tilling methods. You can’t just rip up the soil, throw in your seeds and forget about them. However, it offers bigger rewards and more opportunities to learn about ecology.

Layer After Layer

With no-dig gardening, you usually employ a layering system to build up and amend the soil. This method is sometimes called “lasagna gardening” in reference to the layers. Those levels are:

Manure and lime if you’re creating a garden on top of grass. Use twigs as your first layer if starting your garden on a hard surface. If you’re gardening on soil, skip layer one.
Cardboard or newspapers to block the light and stifle weeds.
Compost or food waste.
Manure or a manure-compost mix.
Straw.
Manure or a manure-compost mix.
Straw.

It’s essential to have multiple layers to recreate the conditions where plants would grow in the wild, minus the pests, herbivores and unpredictable rainfall. You’ll essentially be growing your garden directly on a compost pile rather than creating a separate area for composting.

How to Start a No-Dig Garden

If you’re ready for a radical new gardening method to boost crop yields and restore a depleted landscape, put on your gloves and grab a shovel. It’s time to get to work.

1. Prepare the Site

First, if the area you want to plant in is overgrown, start by cutting any weeds down at the base rather than digging them out. Since they may contain seeds, throwing them away is best rather than adding them to your compost mix. You can also construct a raised bed if you prefer your garden to be in a container.

2. …

Grow Vegetables From Scraps Instead Of Seeds

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