Is Collecting Rainwater Legal in Colorado? (2026)
Partially — Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Colorado as of 2026.
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Quick Answer
Colorado now allows limited residential rainwater collection after decades of prohibition. House Bill 16-1005 (2016) permits Colorado residents to collect rainwater from rooftops of residential properties using up to two rain barrels with a combined maximum capacity of 110 gallons. The water can only be used for outdoor purposes such as lawn irrigation and gardening. Colorado had previously been one of the strictest states regarding rainwater collection due to its prior appropriation water rights doctrine.
What the Law Says
House Bill 16-1005 (2016) permits Colorado residents to collect rainwater from rooftops of residential properties using up to two rain barrels with a combined maximum capacity of 110 gallons for outdoor use only.
— Colorado Division of Water Resources
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Collection Rules | Legal with restrictions. Residents may collect rainwater using up to two rain barrels with a combined maximum of 110 gallons. Collection must be from rooftops of residential properties only. |
| Volume Limits & Permits | Not permitted. Collected rainwater may only be used for outdoor purposes on the property where it was collected. |
| Violation Penalties | Exceeding the 110-gallon limit or using collected water for purposes other than outdoor use may result in water rights violations enforced by the State Engineer. |
| Pending Legislation | Ongoing discussions about expanding allowable uses and increasing volume limits. |
No significant legislative changes have been made since House Bill 16-1005 was passed in 2016, which first allowed residential rainwater collection. There is ongoing public discussion about increasing the storage limit.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement of Colorado's rainwater collection laws is managed by the Division of Water Resources. The law is strictly limited to residential properties, allowing up to 110 gallons of storage for outdoor use only. Violations can lead to orders to cease collection.
The most common mistake is exceeding the 110-gallon storage limit or using the collected water for indoor or potable purposes, which is illegal. Many people are also unaware that the water must be used on the same property where it is collected.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Colorado. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Collecting Rainwater is legal with restrictions in Colorado. This activity is permitted, but specific conditions apply. Violating those conditions can result in fines or criminal charges. Read the rules carefully and consult an attorney if unsure.
Colorado vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, collecting rainwater is fully legal in 30 states, restricted in 20, and illegal in 0. Colorado falls in the RESTRICTED category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Collecting Rainwater:
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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