Rainwater Collection Soon Will Be Legal in Colorado for Most Homeowners
Posted on: Jun-01-2016
Gov. John Hickenlooper recently signed legislation allowing rainwater collection in Colorado. This measure will take effect on Aug. 10.Rainwater collection, or rainwater "harvesting," is the process of collecting, storing and putting rainwater runoff to use.
This change in legislature came after a study by Colorado Stormwater Center showed that rainwater collection does not take water away from the supply available to agriculture and other water-rights holders. It also showed that nearly all the water collected would be absorbed into the ground near the downspout or in the garden.
With this change, single-family and multi-family households with fewer than four units can install a maximum of two rain barrels, with a combined capacity of 110 gallons. Rainwater must be collected from rooftop downspouts for outdoor use only on the property where it originates. This includes watering lawns, plants and gardens. Untreated rainwater is not safe to drink.
Any container capable of collecting rain shedding from a roof or patio is acceptable for a rainwater harvesting system. To comply with Colorado water law, the container must be equipped with a sealable lid to reduce evaporation and bar access for mosquitoes to breed.
For more information, visit https://www.fcgov.com/rainwater-collection , call 970-221-6877 or V/TDD 711.
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Liesel Hans, Water Conservation Manager
- 970.221.6877
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