Rainwater installer credentials: ASSE 21110, ARCSA and the Texas licenses

A homeowner choosing a rainwater contractor is told to ask about credentials. Some are industry training, some are state licenses, and they cover different parts of the job. Here is what each one is.

Industry credentials

  • ASSE Series 21110 Rainwater Catchment Systems Installer: classroom time plus hands-on experience. The ARCSA Foundation names it on its homeowner checklist.
  • ARCSA International professional training for designers and installers. Confirm the current name and steps with ARCSA.
  • ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63-2020 Rainwater Catchment Systems: the national design and installation standard, sold by ASPE.

Texas licenses

  • Plumbing tie-ins: the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
  • Irrigation fed from a tank: the TCEQ Landscape Irrigator license.
  • Backflow assembly testing: the TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license.
  • New circuits: a licensed electrician, through TDLR.

Free training

  • The Texas Water Development Board’s rainwater training, built for permitting staff.
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension classes and guides.
  • BlueSignal University’s Rainwater Installer track, free with an account, and its own optional certificate.

BlueSignal’s own certificates, the BlueSignal Certified Installer — WQM-1 and the BlueSignal Certified Installer — Rainwater, each certify completed training on one BlueSignal track. It is not a license, insurance or permit. See the installer program.

Questions

Is ASSE 21110 required in Texas?

Texas does not require it for rainwater work. It is the industry credential homeowners are told to ask for. The state licenses that apply are for the plumbing, irrigation, backflow and electrical parts of a job.

Where can I learn rainwater harvesting for free?

The Texas Water Development Board, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the BlueSignal University Rainwater Installer track all offer free material.

What is ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63?

The national standard for designing and installing rainwater catchment systems, published in 2020. A revision is in progress.