Lawmakers May Legalize Rainwater Use

Rainwater harvesting may now be legal in Utah if a new bill makes it through the state legislature. The bill would legalize the practice of collecting rainwater, but would require water harvesters to register with the state Division of Water Rights.

Proponents say, “It makes sense to enable rainwater use because, once applied to a lawn or garden, water seeps into the ground or runs off to supply downstream water users, just as the rain would have if not collected.”

The bill caps rainwater storage at 2,500 gallons, either in underground tanks or 55-gallon drums. The storage containers would also have to be covered to prevent children from falling in and potentially drowning.