Rainwater Harvesting: Arvada vs Lakewood
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Arvada, CO and Lakewood, CO?
Lakewood has fewer restrictions than Arvada.
Arvada, CO
Jefferson County
Arvada rainwater collection is limited by Colorado law. HB 16-1005 allows up to two 55-gallon barrels (110 gallons) per household for outdoor use only.
View full Arvada rules →Lakewood, CO
Jefferson County
Colorado law universally permits residential rooftop rainwater collection up to two rain barrels totaling 110 gallons, overriding the state's strict prior-appropriation doctrine that historically forbade private capture.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arvada | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Limit | Two 55-gallon barrels max | - |
| Use | Outdoor irrigation only | - |
| State Law | HB 16-1005 (2016) | - |
| Commercial | Water right required | - |
| Statute | - | CRS 37-96.5-103 |
| Max Capacity | - | 110 gallons total |
| Max Barrels | - | Two barrels |
| Eligible Use | - | Outdoor on-site only |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arvada FAQ
Can I collect rainwater in Colorado?
Yes, but limited to two 55-gallon barrels (110 gallons total) per household for outdoor use only under HB 16-1005.
Can I use collected rainwater indoors?
No. Colorado law restricts residential rainwater collection to outdoor irrigation purposes only.
Lakewood FAQ
Can my Colorado city ban rain barrels entirely?
No. CRS 37-96.5-103 grants statewide rights to residential rain barrels meeting the 110-gallon cap. Municipalities cannot prohibit them but may regulate placement and overflow safety.
Can I use harvested rainwater for indoor use or drinking?
No. State law restricts harvested water to outdoor use such as gardens, lawns, and landscape irrigation on the property where it was collected. Indoor potable use is not authorized.
Compare other topics
See how Arvada and Lakewood compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool