Inexpensive rainwater storage systems commonly make use of an above ground container such as a barrel or plastic tank with a lid to reduce evaporation and bar access for mosquitos to breed. Any container capable of collecting the rain shedding from a roof or patio can be used as a rainwater harvesting system, but to be in conformance with Colorado water law, the container additionally must be equipped with a sealable lid.
Colorado residents should understand that water rights in Colorado are unique compared to other parts of the country. The use of water in this state and other western states is governed by what is known as the prior appropriation doctrine. This doctrine of water allocation controls who uses water, how much water may be used, the types of uses allowed, and when those waters can be used.
In our arid environment, every drop counts and water rights holders depend upon the runoff from snowmelt and rainfall to supply the beneficial uses to which they apply their water rights. Even though the detention of rooftop precipitation might only be temporary and minimal, it may still alter the nature of historic flow patterns. In order to safeguard senior holders of Colorado water rights, diverting and storing water is allowed only during times when all water rights in the basin are satisfied.
It is impractical, however, for homeowners to know at all times whether water rights are satisfied. To collect rainwater without regard for other water rights, there are two laws which establish allowances for the limited collection of rainwater from rooftops of residential dwellings. These laws are further described below. Prior to the passage of House Bill , in particular, rainwater collection was not permitted except under specific circumstances. There are several restrictions that are important to follow in order to use rain barrels legally in Colorado.
These restrictions differ depending on your residential situation. Under House Bill , rain barrels can only be installed at single-family households and multi-family households with four 4 or fewer units. A maximum of two 2 rain barrels can be used at each household and the combined storage of the 2 rain barrels cannot exceed gallons.
Rain barrel water cannot be used for drinking or other indoor water uses. It is important for rain barrel users to understand that the capture and use of rainwater using rain barrels does not constitute a water right.
HB includes language that could result in the State Engineer curtailing the use of individual rain barrels if a water right holder can prove that those rain barrels have impacted their ability to receive the water that they are entitled to by virtue of their water right.
Colorado residents that qualify for exempt well permits may be able to collect gallons of water under HB and collect rainwater for additional uses under SB, so long as they can meet the restrictions described for the two laws.
The application provides notice of intent to collect precipitation and a description of how it will be captured. Another special circumstance outlined in Colorado HB allows developers to participate in pilot projects that harvest rainwater and put it to beneficial, though non-essential, use in the subdivision.
These projects may only operate according to an engineered plan, submitted to the state engineer for approval and eventually, to the water court. Individual landowners are not eligible for these pilot projects. In order to prevent rain barrels from becoming mosquito breeding grounds, it is important to follow several best practices. First, although any container can be used to collect rainwater, House Bill requires the container to be equipped with a sealable lid.
Fortunately, many rain barrels that can be purchased online or from a local home supply store have lids. Second, the rain barrel should be completely emptied every month or less. If you plan to be away from the home for more than a week, you should disconnect your rain barrel from the downspout.
Rain in urban and industrialized areas may contain various impurities absorbed from the atmosphere, including arsenic and mercury. In Colorado, rain is infrequent, but rainwater quality is generally good.
However, the infrequency of rainfall results in accumulation of bird droppings, dust and other impurities on rooftops between rain events. The presence of these impurities in collected rainwater is affected by roofing materials, pitch, and area and may occur in high concentrations when it does rain. How much water can I collect? You can fill and refill two rain barrels with a combined storage capacity up to gallons throughout the year. What can I collect the water in?
Water must be collected in rain barrels up to gallon total capacity with sealable lids What can I use the water for? Outdoor uses, such as lawn and garden irrigation, on the property where the water was collected. Though the rainwater can legally be used for a variety of outdoor uses car washing, livestock watering, hot tub filling, irrigation, etc.
The water cannot be used for drinking water or indoor household purposes. Will standing water in the rain barrels create a mosquito problem? Rain barrels must have sealable lids to prevent insects or other pests from using the stored water. Additional Allowances for Rainwater Collection on Properties with Residential Wells In addition to the gallons of precipitation that can be collected and stored as described in the Rain Barrels Frequently Asked Questions section above, certain residential properties that have a residential well, or that could qualify for a residential well, may be eligible to collect more than gallons of precipitation in accordance with Colorado Statutes Section 1 g , C.
Who can collect water under Section 1 g? Any residence that has, or can qualify for, an exempt residential well permit through the Division of Water Resources. This law operates independently of the rainwater collection described in the Rain Barrel Frequently Asked Questions section above as described in Section If I do not have a well or well permit, how do I know if my property qualifies for a well permit?
This will be determined by the Division of Water Resources DWR when you apply for the required precipitation collection permit. These restrictions differ depending on your residential situation. Under House Bill , rain barrels can only be installed at single-family households and multi-family households with four or fewer units.
A maximum of two rain barrels can be used at each household and the combined storage of the two rain barrels cannot exceed gallons. Rain barrel water cannot be used for drinking or other indoor water uses. Channels: Close. Collection systems Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns, plants or gardens. Rain barrel use under HB There are several restrictions that are important to follow in order to use rain barrels legally in Colorado.
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