Rainwater Harvesting

Winter is usually a slow time in the Northern Utah garden, and therefore a great time to make plans and complete projects for next season's garden. One of these projects could be to obtain a certificate for Rainwater Harvesting.

Most of you were probably unaware that until recently, it has been illegal to capture rainwater, even on your own property, without going through the difficult process of obtaining a water rights permit from the State of Utah.  Beginning in May of 2010, with the passage of Senate Bill 32 sponsored by Senator Scott Jenkins (R-Plain City), residents of Utah can now collect and use rainwater from land owned or leased by the collector.  The water must be captured and stored on the land where it is to be used.  Collectors must still register with the Division of Water Rights, however, there is no charge for registering.  The form is very simple, and your certificate is immediately available.

Efforts were made in the 2009 Session to pass this bill, but it died in the House before it could be passed into law.  Thankfully, a modilfied form of the bill passed in the 2010 Legislative Session. Storage is allowed in a maximum, 2,500 gallon underground container, or in two covered, above ground containers.  Interestingly, the actual bill indicates two 55 gallon containers, however the information on the Utah Division of Water Rights registration form indicates two 100 gallon containers.

This bill brings Utah in line with other states that allow rainwater collection such as Texas, Colorado and Washington.  In Utah, where we experience extended periods with little or not precipitation, collected rainwater can be used for pet and car washing, indoor plant watering, livestock watering and to supplement lawn and garden irrigation. A great online source for more information on rainwater harvesting can be found at havesth2o.