Is collecting rainwater in Colorado illegal in 2021?

Quick Facts. Most homeowners in Colorado are now allowed to use rain barrels to collect rainwater. A maximum of two rain barrels with a combined storage of 110 gallons or less are allowed at each household. Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns, plants or gardens.

What happens if you collect rainwater in Colorado?

Water laws are so strict in Colorado that rainwater collection is virtually prohibited. The doctrine is written into the state’s Constitution. On Monday, Colorado representatives voted to allow people to store up to 110 gallons of the rainwater that flows off their roof.

Does Colorado allow rain water collection?

Rainwater collection is allowed on residential properties under certain conditions. In compliance with Colorado statutes (Section 37-96.5-103, C.R.S.), precipitation can be collected in rain barrels from the rooftops of certain residential properties.

Why are rain barrels illegal in Colorado?

Colorado has been the only state with an outright ban on residential rain barrels and one of just four states that restrict rainwater harvesting. Water law experts say rain barrels are only technically illegal, because proving they injure the water rights of other users is nearly impossible.

In what states is it illegal to collect rainwater?

Colorado – The only state that it is completely illegal to harvest rainwater. Other than that each house is allowed up to 110 gallons of rain barrel storage.

Why is it illegal to collect rainwater in some states?

Some states and towns may have regulations on the amount of rainwater you may harvest. Collection amount regulations are in place because any rainwater you harvest is rainwater that won’t go into nearby streams, ponds, and other natural bodies of water—and that has the potential to disrupt ecosystems.

Is it illegal to collect rainwater in the US?

Is it Illegal to Harvest Rainwater? In almost every case, no. Out of the lower 48 states in the U.S., Colorado and Utah are the only states that are currently heavily regulated to keep homeowners from harvesting and using the rain that falls on their property.

Why are you not allowed to collect rainwater?

Restrictions on rainwater harvesting in the United States date back to the California Gold Rush of 1848 to 1855. This process of hydraulic mining requires water that’s scarce in areas of California, so miners began creating waterways to direct water their way—water that wasn’t technically on their land.

What states ban rainwater collection?

Why collecting rainwater is bad?

The problem is when people build reservoirs over hundreds of acres of private property to “collect rainwater,” they actually disrupt the behavior of water ecosystems. This is why water law and water rights management gets very complex.

Why you should save rain water?

The biggest reason to save the rainforst is the effect deforestation has on local economies. Increased flooding, lack of quality water, and inability to produce their own food causes many locals migrate to cities that lack the infrastructure for them.

Are your rain barrels legal?

Rain barrels are a wonderful way to capture water on your property for use later on and per the Washington Department of Ecology they are legal and encouraged! Read more on their website regarding “Rainwater Collection.”

Why do people collect rainwater?

Top 5 Reasons to Collect Rainwater for Your Landscape Rain is free. Wouldn’t it be great if water just fell out of the sky? It’s good for your plants. Have you ever noticed how plants appear greener and brighter after a good rain? You can help replenish groundwater. It will improve your soil and the environment. Gravity is always there to help.