Does rain water harvesting count as a renewable energy source?

Hi Hannah. No, rainwater harvesting is a renewable source of water, but not a renewable energy source, because no energy is produced. An example of renewable energy would be energy created from wind generators or solar panels.

I wouldn't say its an energy source- but it can save a lot of energy and help us become more sustainable and less consuming!

Rainwater adding to rivers, streams – increasing flow… put water wheel/s to capture = yes, rain water has become a renewable (hydro)energy source.

(Dams are not a good idea…)

Rainwater going into drains (tut tut) ditto…
that rainwater flows eventually into our mains water supply, which is pressured… capture that energy and hey, you have another renewable energy source!

Suprises me how many people discount water when assessing renewable energy / potential.

There are other options too…

Yes. If you consider rainwater harvesting on a grand scale, like Hoover dam, and other hydro electric projects. On a small scale, it works with water wheels.