Using Rainwater Against the Law in Utah

[Juan_Bottom]

http://www.naturalnews.com/z024402.html

(NaturalNews) A Utah car dealer, in an effort to do something good for the environment, decided that he would collect rainwater on the roof of a building that would be used for a new water-efficient car wash, reports KSL.com. However, he was quickly informed by state officials that it was illegal in Utah. As it turns out, many states have similar laws about rainwater collection.

Who Owns the Rain?

Many people are under the false impression (apparently) that they own the water that falls on their own land. Technically, it's even a violation of Utah state law for homeowners to collect rainwater in a barrel and use it to water plants. Although state officials admit that it is unlikely that they will target individuals, the law states that a valid water right is needed in order to divert rainwater

I just found this to be a what? story. I mean, whats next.... you don't have any rights that supercede those of the plants that grow on your land!
Weird.

[Dancing Mustard]

Sane law being used in a (really) stupid way I think...

It's probably designed to protect riparian and percolation rights and to keep rivers flowing naturally (stopping land-owners from just daming off floodplains and screwing up everything downriver etc). But to use it to stop a guy from making a car-wash for himself... that's just a waste of everybody's time and money. That and it makes the law look stupid.

[jonesthecurl]

Landowners often have legally defined rights and duties regarding water, but usually this would be with regard to waterways that pass through their property (e.g. since ancient times, landowners have been required to upkeep river banks to keep the water flowing*). That is sensible when you think about it. But I never heard of rights(or otherwise) to the rainwater that falls on your roof.


*now that I think about it, the Sworn Swords comic this year was largely about just this topic, and a conflict that breaks out over it.