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.
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How to Use Rain Barrels Legally in Colorado Even though the detention of rooftop precipitation might only be temporary and minimal, it may still alter the nature of historic flow patterns.
Captured precipitation that is consumed “out of priority” may deprive downstream and/or senior water right holders of their right to use water from the natural stream, which comprises water that originates as snow and rain. 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.
A simplified way to explain this system is often referred to as the priority system or “first in time, first in right.” It may seem strange that rainwater harvesting in Colorado is so carefully watched, but understanding why this is so can provide valuable insight into the way water is shared in Colorado. 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. The use of water in this state and other western states is governed by what is known as the prior appropriation doctrine. Water Rights Issues Concerning Rainwater CollectionĬolorado residents should understand that water rights in Colorado are unique compared to other parts of the country. More sophisticated systems have “first flush” diverters that are recommended to exclude capture of the initial rain that might carry impurities from the roof. 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. 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. Typically, rooftop rainwater collection systems are simple, consisting of gutters, downspouts, and storage containers. Rainwater collection systems vary from the simple and inexpensive to the complex and costly. Water from roof gutter downspouts is usually directed onto landscaped areas and is incidentally consumed by plants, but this form of use is not regarded as rainwater harvesting.Īctual rainwater harvesting involves the collection of rainfall runoff from rooftops, concrete patios, driveways and other impervious surfaces. Rainwater collection, also called rainwater “harvesting,” is the process of capturing, storing and directing rainwater runoff and putting it to use.
The information provided in this factsheet is based primarily on language in Colorado House Bill 16-1005 and is intended to inform citizens on how to properly use rain barrels in accordance with Colorado law. The purpose of this factsheet is to provide information about the regulatory and health aspects of rainwater collection in Colorado. Untreated rainwater collected from roofs is not safe to drink.Collected rainwater may be used to irrigate outdoor lawns, plants or gardens.A maximum of two rain barrels with a combined storage of 110 gallons or less are allowed at each household.Most homeowners in Colorado are now allowed to use rain barrels to collect rainwater.
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