Is Collecting Rainwater From Your Roof Illegal

Rainwater harvesting is legal in oregon but may only be collected from a catchment system on rooftop surfaces.

Is collecting rainwater from your roof illegal.

Is it illegal to collect rainwater in the united states there aren t federal laws or restrictions based on rainwater harvesting. That s the good news. Untreated rainwater collected from roofs is not safe to drink. Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns plants or gardens.

This means at the federal level it is not illegal to collect rainwater. In news that seems like it came straight out of bizzaro world a man in oregon has been sentenced to 30 days in jail after authorities say he had the nerve to collect rainwater. No permit from the state board is necessary. 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.

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. Yep rain water is illegal. However collecting rainwater for landscaping purposes would require a license. Collecting the rainwater that runs off your roof is a great way to conserve an important natural resource.

The link provides 18 states. Rainwater harvesting coming from your roof is fine in california. While the collection of rainwater might seem like a normal thing you will be surprised to learn that it is illegal in some states. 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.

Water is often in short supply in the heat of summer so it s tempting to use roof runoff. Water law experts say rain barrels are only technically illegal because proving they injure the water rights of other users is nearly impossible. That s because weirdly collecting rainwater is actually illegal in some states. As bizarre as it sounds i guess it really shouldn t be a surprise.