Yes, with limits. Rainwater collection is legal in Utah, but the state caps how much you can store.
What Utah law says
Utah allows residential rainwater collection with specific limits: Registration required for systems storing over 100 gallons. Non-potable use only. A standard rain barrel setup fits comfortably inside these rules, so for most homeowners the cap never becomes a practical problem.
How much water a Utah roof can collect
Utah averages about 12 inches of rain per year. On a typical 1,200 square foot roof at 85% collection efficiency, that works out to roughly 7,600 gallons a year currently running into your storm drain. A single one-inch storm delivers about 635 gallons, enough to fill 13 standard 50-gallon barrels.
Average annual rainfall in Utah.
Gallons per year from a typical 1,200 sq ft roof.
Approximate annual value at municipal water rates.
Your roof and rainfall will differ; run your exact numbers in the rainwater calculator.
The right setup for Utah’s climate
With about 12 inches of rain a year, Utah is a dry-climate state where storage capacity matters most. Storms are rare, so when one comes you want to catch as much as possible: a 65-gallon barrel, or two linked 50s, beats a single small barrel that overflows in the first hour.
Rain Wizard 65 Gallon, reviewed against our independent testing criteria. See all six models side by side.
Common questions
Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Utah?
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel in Utah?
Does Utah offer incentives for rainwater harvesting?
Sources
- Rainplan, 50-State Rainwater Collection Guide (2026)
- State statutes and water agency guidance for Utah
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, annual precipitation normals
- US EPA WaterSense, Outdoor Water Use fact sheet
Educational content, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm current rules with your state water agency.