Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Colorado?
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Colorado as of 2026. Colorado restricts rainwater harvesting under CRS § 37-92-103(10)(a), allowing limited collection only for single-family residences with a maximum of two rain barrels totaling 110 gallons. Larger scale collection requires water rights due to the state's prior appropriation doctrine.
Collecting Rainwater is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Colorado
Collecting Rainwater is legal in Colorado but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Collecting Rainwater Laws in Colorado: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Collecting Rainwater is currently legal with restrictions in Colorado.
- 2 Possession: Allowed only two rain barrels with a combined capacity of 110 gallons per residence.
- 3 Sale: Sale of collected rainwater is prohibited without water rights.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Violations may result in fines and enforcement actions by the Colorado Division of Water Resources.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Allowed only two rain barrels with a combined capacity of 110 gallons per residence. |
| Sale | Sale of collected rainwater is prohibited without water rights. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Violations may result in fines and enforcement actions by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Colorado Compare?
Across all 50 states, Collecting Rainwater is fully legal in 36 states, legal with restrictions in 14 states, and illegal in 0 states. Colorado is among the 14 states where it is legal with restrictions.
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Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: Colorado Division of Water Resources
https://dnr.colorado.gov/water-rights/water-divisions/rainwater-harvesting
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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