California is in the midst of a prolonged drought, so rainwater harvesting has become more prevalent in recent years.
Is it illegal to collect rainwater in California?
The answer is no! It is legal to collect rainwater in California, but it’s also very beneficial. By collecting and storing water from rainfall, you are helping the environment by reducing the amount of runoff that will end up polluting our waterways. You are also saving money because you no longer have to purchase water from your utility company.
Collecting rainwater in California is not illegal, but you are breaking the law if you do it without obtaining a permit.
The benefits of harvesting rainwater are that stormwater runoff may overflow into storm drains and sewers during monsoon rains, leading to flooding. The frequent storms also put an excess burden on the water supply system.
Some people who live in areas with long dry periods use harvested rainwater for household needs because there is no other water source available near their homes.
Rainwater harvesting is a traditional practice of collecting rainwater from the roof of a building. The rainwater is contained in a catchment system or cistern, then used to irrigate plants. There are many benefits to this practice. There are some grey areas with the legality of collecting rainwater in California, so it’s best to check with your local water company or conservation agency before proceeding.
The benefits of harvesting rainwater include:
Getting your home off the grid and lowering your utility bill, which can save you up to 10% on your monthly electricity bill.
Rainwater has a higher concentration of nutrients and minerals due to its slow-moving through our natural environment. This means it can be used for irrigation purposes or cleaning products.
Like many other states, California has laws in place that prohibit people from “collecting” rainwater. However, if you are on a private property and would like to collect rainwater, you do not need permission from the state or county.
The benefits of collecting rainwater are free, sustainable, and easy to store. It does not pollute groundwater or local ecosystems.
