According to Orange County Public Works, Santa Ana has received only 1.58 inches of rain this year—well below our area’s average of about 12 inches.
Every drop counts during the rainy season—not just for washing our landscapes clean and hydrating large plants like trees, but also for replenishing aquifers and dams for future use.
While municipalities collect what they can for the public water supply, most homeowners let rainwater run off their roofs, down the driveway, into storm drains, and out to sea. If your rain is captured by a municipality, you eventually pay to get it back on your water bill.
The good news? Capturing and keeping rainwater on your property is easy, free, and great for watering vegetable gardens and potted plants.
You simply set up a system of roof gutters to direct rainwater into a rain barrel. That stored water can later be used to hydrate trees, gardens, and container plants—no tap required.
When Rain Doesn’t Belong to You
While rain feels like a gift from the sky, in some places it isn’t legally yours to keep. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, if you live in Colorado, rainwater technically belongs to the state.
Residents in Colorado can capture rainwater only if they have a specific type of well or are part of select real estate development projects. The Colorado Division of Water Resources states clearly:
“Colorado water law declares that the state of Colorado claims the right to all the moisture in the atmosphere that falls within its borders.”
Imagine that.
Utah also places limits on rainwater harvesting. Homeowners can collect rainwater in barrels or cisterns, but only up to 100 gallons—essentially two bathtubfuls.
In Oregon, one man was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $1,500 in 2012 for capturing 13 million gallons in a man-made reservoir, according to Fox News.
California’s Rainwater Rules
In California, rain belongs to everyone. But it wasn’t always that way. Before the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, homeowners needed a permit to collect it.
Today, you can use rain barrels without a permit. However, if you’re planning to install a cistern, check with your local water district to learn the collection limits and requirements.
There are a few important rules to keep in mind:
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Rainwater is non-potable (not drinkable) and barrels should be clearly labeled.
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Overflow must be discharged to safe locations.
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Barrels should have screens to prevent mosquito breeding.
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Always follow child-safety precautions.
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For health reasons, indoor use is prohibited.