Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Nevada?
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Nevada as of 2026. Nevada restricts rainwater collection due to its prior appropriation water rights system. NRS 533.024 prohibits unauthorized diversion of surface water, including rainwater, without a permit from the State Engineer.
Collecting Rainwater is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Nevada
Collecting Rainwater is legal in Nevada but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Collecting Rainwater Laws in Nevada: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Collecting Rainwater is currently legal with restrictions in Nevada.
- 2 Possession: Rainwater collection requires a permit if it diverts surface water; small-scale residential collection is generally tolerated but not explicitly authorized.
- 3 Sale: Sale of collected rainwater requires water rights permits and is generally restricted.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Violations can result in civil penalties and enforcement actions under NRS Chapter 533.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Rainwater collection requires a permit if it diverts surface water; small-scale residential collection is generally tolerated but not explicitly authorized. |
| Sale | Sale of collected rainwater requires water rights permits and is generally restricted. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Violations can result in civil penalties and enforcement actions under NRS Chapter 533. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Nevada Compare?
Across all 50 states, Collecting Rainwater is fully legal in 36 states, legal with restrictions in 14 states, and illegal in 0 states. Nevada 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: Nevada Revised Statutes - Water Rights
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-533.html#NRS533Sec024
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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