Understanding the receptivity, including concerns and drivers, of water-users such as householders, is vital in facilitating the promotion, appropriate installation, end-use and maintenance of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems. This article presents the triangulated results of a literature review and survey, undertaken to increase policy-makers' understanding of householder receptivity to RWH. It was identified that overall receptivity to RWH is high, but that factors pertaining particularly to cost and maintenance pose threats to receptivity. Three areas for improvement have been identified: product development, capacity building and support services, for which recommendations for action are provided. These present policy-makers with a starting point to enhance the receptivity of householders to RWH.