ARCSA International Launches In-Field Certification Program for Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Ontario, California — ARCSA International^® has announced the launch of its Rainwater Harvesting System Certification Program, a comprehensive in-field certification program designed to verify that rainwater harvesting systems are designed, installed, and operating in compliance with ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI Standard 63.

Unlike traditional component-based evaluations, the ARCSA certification program verifies complete system performance in real-world conditions, providing independent confirmation that rainwater catchment systems meet the design, installation, and operational requirements of the national standard. The program serves system owners, designers, engineers, installers, inspectors, regulators, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and commercial and industrial users involved in rainwater harvesting systems.

The certification process includes a comprehensive review of system design documentation, followed by an on-site field inspection to verify installation and operational performance. Systems must demonstrate compliance with the four foundational treatment steps outlined in Standard 63 — prefiltration, a calming inlet, a floating intake, and a skimming overflow device — designed to achieve a 2- to 5-log reduction in contaminants through core system components and treatment processes. Certification also includes verification of system capacity, filtration effectiveness, storage integrity, and water quality testing conducted by qualified laboratories.

Once a system successfully completes the certification process, ARCSA International issues a Certification of Compliance along with a system certification label applied in the field by an authorized inspector. Each certified system is documented in a detailed field report and tracked by ARCSA International, providing visibility and verification for regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders.

Certification is available immediately, with systems able to receive initial certification upon successful compliance verification. Potable systems must renew certification annually, while non-potable systems require renewal every two years. The first two systems certified under the program are scheduled for May 19, leading up to ARCSA International’s Technical Symposium.

The program was developed to address a longstanding gap in the rainwater harvesting industry: the lack of system-level verification. By confirming real-world performance rather than design intent alone, the certification program strengthens regulatory confidence, supports broader code adoption, and establishes a standardized pathway for system design, inspection, and compliance.

“This program represents a significant advancement for the rainwater harvesting industry,” ARCSA International Executive Director Heather Kinkade said. “By moving beyond component testing to full system verification in the field, we are helping ensure safe, reliable, and standards-compliant rainwater systems while advancing water reuse as a trusted and sustainable solution.”

For more information about the ARCSA International Rainwater Harvesting System Certification Program, visit the ARCSA International at arcsainternational.org, email info@arcsainternational.org or call 708-995-3320.