Pirahna wrote: Tue Jun 30, 2026 11:35 amI thought I'd seen that before, a quick Google shows the story is from 2012. The Snopes article is good, he'd been getting warnings about his water collection since 2002, and it's not a barrel collected from his guttering, he'd built a few big reservoirs.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/man-g ... -property/
I'm amazed 4 states have some regs on harvesting rainwater! I guess if we do emigrate there I'll have to rethink teh water butt business plan!
This article has been updated for 2023.
Rainwater harvesting as a primary water supply is a relatively new idea and industry. Therefore, the laws around rainwater harvesting can be a concern. As of right now, the federal government does not regulate rainwater harvesting at all, but rather, leaves it up to the individual state governments.
Make sure that your rainwater harvesting trade contractor is aware of and complies with local codes and regulations.
[This post is not legal advice. Make sure to do your own due-diligence to ensure that you are compliant with federal, state, and local codes & regulations]
Is it Illegal to Harvest Rainwater?
In almost every case, no.
Out of the lower 48 states in the U.S., Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Illinois, and Arkansas are the only states that are currently heavily regulated to keep homeowners from harvesting and using the rain that falls on their property.
But in most states, rainwater harvesting is either not regulated at all, or actually encouraged by the state government as a method for water conservation, stormwater management, and water availability.
Rainwater is a resource. And once it falls on your property, it’s yours. Free to use.
https://4perfectwater.com/blog/rainwate ... sting-laws
