Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Washington?
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Washington as of 2026. Washington State allows rainwater collection but with restrictions under the prior appropriation water rights system. Collecting rainwater for personal use is generally allowed, but large-scale collection or sale may require water rights permits under RCW 90.03.
Collecting Rainwater is LEGAL WITH RESTRICTIONS in Washington
Collecting Rainwater is legal in Washington but with specific restrictions and regulations.
Collecting Rainwater Laws in Washington: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Collecting Rainwater is currently legal with restrictions in Washington.
- 2 Possession: Allowed for personal use; large-scale collection requires water rights.
- 3 Sale: Sale of collected rainwater requires water rights permits.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Violations can result in fines and enforcement under water rights laws.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Allowed for personal use; large-scale collection requires water rights. |
| Sale | Sale of collected rainwater requires water rights permits. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Violations can result in fines and enforcement under water rights laws. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Washington Compare?
Across all 50 states, Collecting Rainwater is fully legal in 36 states, legal with restrictions in 14 states, and illegal in 0 states. Washington 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: Washington Revised Code §90.03
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=90.03
Last verified: 2026-01-15
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