It's Raining Free Water

Did you know that in some states in the United States it is illegal to collect rainwater? Contrary to what you may have heard, it is in fact not illegal to collect rainwater - at least at a federal level. Rainwater collection (and water harvesting regulations in general) are determined at the state level.

Before we get into the "why should I bother to collect rainwater" portion of this article, let's talk about the laws. There are 11 states total that have laws regarding rainwater, but not all of these are bans. Some of the laws that "ban" the collection of rainwater really are not banning their citizens from collecting water; they are regulating the quantity. There is a huge difference between a pool's amount of water and collecting so much water that you need a dam to regulate flow. Some states, like Oregon, have awkward phrasing that would deter a person who is determined to run their whole house from waterpower. In the state of Oregon, you can only collect water that has fallen from rooftops or parking lots. If you want water that is not from your roof or parking lot, you would have to obtain a special permit for that collection. Then, there are some states like Tennessee that allow collecting rainwater for potable use (within reason and drinking water regulations), but in contrast, states like Nevada where the act of collecting even a bucket of rainwater is illegal.

So, what's the big deal about rainwater? There are benefits to collecting rainwater! If you are using it in a non-potable sense, you could use the collected water for watering plants/irrigation, washing your house or your car or even your toilet (probably just for an RV or non-attached outdoor toilet, though). In that respect, collecting rainwater and using it for some of your everyday activities certainly helps get the water bill under control. What are the downsides to collecting rainwater? Well, while it's ok for plants and non-potable use in most cases, rainwater probably should not be consumed. There are pollutants that are able to travel with water and be deposited into your rainwater.

The other issue is varying pH. While the United States does not see a ton of acid rain, there are other countries that do. While it isn't as dramatic as the movies would like you to believe, over time acid rain will erode stone, wood, and kill plants. No, it is not going to burn through your skin or clothes as it falls from the sky, but it will kill any pH sensitive indoor plants you water with collected rainwater.

Should we or should we not be collecting it? Yes, if it is legal in your state and especially so if you have the means to purify rainwater to make it potable.

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