Is Collecting Rainwater From Your Roof Illegal

Water law experts say rain barrels are only technically illegal because proving they injure the water rights of other users is nearly impossible.

Is collecting rainwater from your roof illegal. Water is often in short supply in the heat of summer so it s tempting to use roof runoff. Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns plants or gardens. That s because weirdly collecting rainwater is actually illegal in some states. However collecting rainwater for landscaping purposes would require a license.

As bizarre as it sounds i guess it really shouldn t be a surprise. Is it illegal to collect rainwater in the united states there aren t federal laws or restrictions based on rainwater harvesting. Untreated rainwater collected from roofs is not safe to drink. Collecting the rainwater that runs off your roof is a great way to conserve an important natural resource.

The state gives some approval for alternate methods of construction of rainwater harvesting systems but legal advice should be sought before attempting to construct any system on private property. This means at the federal level it is not illegal to collect rainwater. Roof water users can reduce their risks of disease from contaminated rainwater consumption by regular maintenance and using a well designed system says mr abbott. Yep rain water is illegal.

The link provides 18 states. Rainwater harvesting coming from your roof is fine in california. If you live in colorado especially you can relate to what i m talking about. Exactly how much rainwater you re allowed to collect and use varies across the u s for example under a colorado law passed in 2016 homeowners are now allowed to catch and use two rain barrels a total of 110 gallons from their rooftops but no more.

The easiest way to harvest rain is through a rain barrel make your own from a large trash can or an old drum linked to a pipe fitted to collect rainwater from the rooftop and verandah of the house. That s the good news. To prevent the barrel from becoming a mosquito breeding ground fasten a tight fitting top to it and screen the ends of the downspouts leading. While the collection of rainwater might seem like a normal thing you will be surprised to learn that it is illegal in some states.