Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Idaho?
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Idaho as of 2026. Idaho allows rainwater collection but regulates water rights under the prior appropriation doctrine. According to Idaho Code §42-111, all water, including rainwater, is subject to state water rights, and collection may require a water right permit if it impacts other users.
Collecting Rainwater is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Idaho
Collecting Rainwater is legal in Idaho but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Collecting Rainwater Laws in Idaho: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Collecting Rainwater is currently legal with restrictions in Idaho.
- 2 Possession: Permits may be required for significant rainwater collection impacting water rights.
- 3 Sale: Sale of collected rainwater without a water right is prohibited.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Penalties include fines and possible forfeiture of water rights under Idaho Code §42-351.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Permits may be required for significant rainwater collection impacting water rights. |
| Sale | Sale of collected rainwater without a water right is prohibited. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Penalties include fines and possible forfeiture of water rights under Idaho Code §42-351. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Idaho Compare?
Across all 50 states, Collecting Rainwater is fully legal in 36 states, legal with restrictions in 14 states, and illegal in 0 states. Idaho 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: Idaho Department of Water Resources
https://idwr.idaho.gov/water-rights/
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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