Rainwater harvesting is something that many individuals and families in a number of countries have been looking to start incorporating into their way of living. And many will have a variety of reasons for doing it. Currently in the US, there are some rules surrounding the activity of rainwater collection.
There have been stories that have circulated about individuals allegedly being arrested and detained over their unauthorized use of rainwater that they've collected on their property. And this has prompted many to wonder as to whether or not it is legal or illegal for them to collect rainwater if they want to.
The rules are different depending on which state you're from, but there are some restrictions on what you can capture the rain with and if you can distribute that water and so on. This sort of infringement is criticized by many, yet defended under the justification of concerns for water supplies and droughts etc.
In the past several years, it seems like there has been a growing interest with people who have been eager to begin their own rainwater harvesting and there has been a push for authorities to allow for such activity to take place.
People want the freedom to be able to “recycle the rain.” For many, they don't see why it should be a crime for them to collect the rainwater that naturally falls on their home or on their property space.
In many areas around the US, it isn't illegal to harvest the rainwater and in some cases it's even encouraged by city officials. But you will find rules about things like storage restrictions and distribution rules etc.
Making it easier...
One company that is looking to try and make it easier for people to start collecting their own rainwater, is the Dutch company known as Studio Bas van der Veer. They've come up with a design for a small-scale rain barrel that they've called the “Raindrop.”
This design was unveiled several years ago and they've won several awards for the innovation; since then they've just recently unveiled a newer design for their product. And they expect to start selling this newer design for the Raindrop by 2018.
Those who are interested will be able to find this at garden centers and other business locations, as well as have the option to purchase online.
It's designed to be able to hold up to roughly 125 liters of water and it has the capability to be attached to any drainpipe that measures between 50-88 mm in thickness. It's a very convenient design that makes it easy for the user to opt for using rainwater for tasks like watering the garden or lawn, or washing the car etc, rather than turning on the tap.
There are many different ways that one can go about trying to collect rainwater. Aside from this small-scale device, there are many other options out there as far as what systems to go with, and how one can go about trying to get involved with this sort of 'rain recycling' activity.
Despite some areas frowning upon the activity of rainwater collection, there are multiple initiatives that are currently underway which are trying to encourage residents, businesses, and city officials to learn about rainwater harvesting and to start engaging in this activity for themselves.
Pics:
Pixabay
Studio Bas van der Veer via archdaily
Giphy
Sources:
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/11/10/is-it-illegal-to-collect-rain-water-in-oregon/
http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/rainwater-harvesting.aspx
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/24/it-is-actually-illegal-in-colorado-to-collect-the-rain-that-falls-on-your-home/?utm_term=.437c59684535
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/new-law-allows-rain-recycling-in-nevada/769732667
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/colorado-residents-have-no-right-to-the-rain-that-falls-on-their-home/48084
http://www.archdaily.com/879288/small-scale-rainwater-harvesting-made-simpler-by-studio-bas-van-der-veer
https://www.geek.com/culture/leave-it-to-the-dutch-to-make-rain-barrels-attractive-1717065/
https://morningchores.com/rainwater-harvesting/
http://acerwatertanks.com/is-rainwater-harvesting-illegal/
http://www.azfamily.com/story/36440645/rainwater-harvesting-in-arizona
I didn't know this was a thing. I wonder how much one of these rain collector systems costs and the ongoing maintenance fees.
It would be great to have these rain collectors on top of city buildings. That way the collected water could be used for the irrigation of rooftop gardens and maybe even distributed to homeless people etc...
I think rainwater should be free to use, how can you make a weather phenomenon illegal?
We have two locations set up for rain barrel use should we harvest it. I believe they call rain water grey water if I am not mistaken. With a proper filtering it can be used for daily use. I think some cities are afraid of folks being too independent of the conventional water system by the city. It is all about money and the fear of losing customers in the end. Control and money. Thanks for the great read.
I live off-grid and collect rain water exclusively for all my personal, gardening and livestock needs. Thankfully, there are no regulations in my area in regards to that. They again, I do not live in a draught ridden area.
It's great to see new innovations being made on harvesting rain water. I love that "Raindrop" is a much more pleasing aesthetically than many of the big bulky barrel-like models I've seen. I would like to have one of these installed at my home, in SoCAl, where many times we don't get enough rain and washing our cars regularly on our driveways is discouraged by our community.
Water is life and this cycle if vital to all on this water planet. Gratitude for sharing and I am honored to be a water keeper! So, how many gallons do you collect for the system you have? What types of plants do you grow with rain water? So loving how the purity of it not having added chemicals, as the roots and intake of the microbes in the soil thrive too! Gratitude for sharing awareness and posting those links below!
It's a brilliant idea with very easy concept thanks for sharing.
Nice post
Rain water is a blessing from God if it is well exploited and has many benefits
Great and powerful posting thank you
We just cleaned our filters today. Been drinking rainwater and washing for several years now. Take a peek at my drink rainwater post if you get a chance.
The name is very appropriate to their design
I find it interesting. My in-laws collect rainwater.
What a beautiful design!
The container plants show quite a noticeable difference in rain and tap waterings.
The thought of drinking 'fresh'-from-the-sky rainwater is a bit disconcerting with chem-trail particles, etc. not being filtered/analyzed.
I suppose it could be boiled; but, then all of the beneficials are extracted.
Thanks for the post.
Peace.
I am rainwatering my butt off at the moment, since we dont have a any water after hurricane Irmas passing. Buckets do the trick, but the fancy thing you got there looks waayyyyyy easier. Showering in a serious breaking cloud also does the trick hehe
Only one answer I am sure why it is illegal to harvest rainwater in US. The government is spraying sort of expirement chemical in the atmosphere.
it would make a huge difference if buildings were design to collect water and use it
The 'Raindrop' is a very trendy take on a time honoured practice, thanks for sharing. Those stories of alleged "unauthorized use of rainwater" are quite concerning, if true we can only hope such actions are the result of misguided execution of policies intended to keep people safe from harm of potentially health-threatening sources of non-potable water?
It only makes sense to make use of rainwater & greywater, but there are some caveats and considerations:
Australia has a long history of widespread rainwater harvesting and storage and thus has accumulated substantial empiric evidence of the risks, benefits, and considerations for water capture, reclamation, storage, and use. Here's an article by independent research group Urban Water Cycle Solutions on the perennial Rainwater Health Debate in Australia:
https://urbanwatercyclesolutions.com/rainwaterhealthdebate/
Access to clean water sources is well known to be not just a factor in health, but also societal stability.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/601/water-and-development
Ironic that an element constituting such a large proportion of our home world and indeed the human body, one that has such a critical role to play in sustaining life and function, should be so easily overlooked and taken for granted.
I remember reading about it being illegal in some places to collect rainwater....so crazy! Rainwater is so great to have on hand if you have a garden. I've got a few setups for when it rains in the warmer months. It's a shame there are laws making it illegal though while corporations like Nestle can control and suck our natural water sources dry to produced bottled water so they can make billions of dollars.
very interesting post and very useful information about rain.
Yes!
#Let'sBeFriends #Follow4Follow
This is actually some awesome work! Followed
We pay taxes on rain water run off or collected. Don't ask me! 🐓🐓
That is pretty good idea and it would definitely help in few areas water crisis and hope this tech advances more
The collection of rainwater is illegal (against the legislation... the will of those who govern) only where freedom is illegal.
Start collecting your own rainwater and you might no longer need the public water supply.
Start recycling your water (using grey water from sinks and things other than toilets) and you might be able to irrigate gardens and orchards at little to no costs... letting you grow your own food without the public water supply.
That there is obstructing interstate commerce where I come from. If people started growing their own (non gmo, non-pesticide ridden) foods they would be skipping sales tax, avoiding medical bills, living longer (costing the SS program more!), paying less to local governments, and more. Talk about outlaws! evil grin
What if people started using humanure and using that to enrich the soil (and avoid sewer costs!) and grow even more food? While animal manure might be good for the soil us humans are not animals... so don't even think about it.
No way.
Just say no to rain water collection, grey water collection, composting, growing food, self-sustainability, and other subversive activities.
(oh say can you see...)
Do your duty as a good citizen, head to your nearest chain grocery store, buy some great food (preferably something either classified as a pesticide or lacking any nutritional value whatsoever), get all manner of diseases (support the sickness industry), and die young (don't leech off of social security).
Do your civic duty and be a good submitizen.
Stop even thinking about getting your own water. That might lead to other nefarious plans that would entirely change how things work.
Oh yeah, and report any rain water thieves you come across.
Great post. The next level in rainwater harvesting is to use that water in showers and handbasins. It would involve a filtering system that is either mechanically or electrically driven. Upvoted.
I am from Nigeria and I can say 99% of the citizen collect rain water. I can say water is more expensive than fuel. The government do little to supply portable drinkable water. So the citizen mostly provide their source of water. they dig wells, pole hole and collect rain water. welcome to my country.
I love this post with its useful information. Resteemed.
Just wondering if everyone start to collect rainwater and recycle it, maybe no one will suffer when the dry season is coming. But that's quite funny when collecting the rain, something that fall from the sky to your own property, become illegal.
It should be standard for properties to collect rainwater. In the UK we have water meters so using rainwater has cost benefits already.