Rainwater Harvesting: Salt Lake City vs South Jordan
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Salt Lake City, UT and South Jordan, UT?
South Jordan has fewer restrictions than Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Salt Lake City under Utah Code §73-3-1.5, but users must register with the Utah Division of Water Rights. Limited to 2,500 gallons with registration; 200 gallons without.
View full Salt Lake City rules →South Jordan, UT
Salt Lake County
Rainwater harvesting in Salt Lake County is allowed but state-regulated under Utah Code Sec. 73-3-1.5. Capture is limited to two underground containers of up to 2,500 gallons each, OR up to two above-ground containers of up to 100 gallons each, and requires free registration with the Utah Division of Water Rights when over 100 gallons. Captured water must be used on the parcel where it is collected.
View full South Jordan rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Salt Lake City | South Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| No Registration | Up to 200 gallons (2 containers) | - |
| With Registration | Up to 2,500 gallons | - |
| State Law | Utah Code §73-3-1.5 | - |
| Register With | UT Division of Water Rights (free) | - |
| Use | Same parcel only | - |
| State Statute | - | Utah Code Sec. 73-3-1.5 |
| Below 100 Gal | - | No registration required |
| Above-Ground Cap | - | 100 gallons per container (max 2) |
| Underground Cap | - | 2,500 gallons per container (max 2) |
| Registration | - | Free at utahdwre.water.utah.gov |
| Use Restriction | - | On collection parcel only |
| County Cap | - | None beyond state statute |
| Encouraged By | - | SLCo Title 19 Chapter 19.77 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Salt Lake City FAQ
Do I need a permit for a rain barrel?
No permit for up to 200 gallons (2 barrels max 100 gal each). Register free with Utah Division of Water Rights to collect up to 2,500 gallons.
Can I drink collected rainwater?
Not recommended and not permitted for potable use. Collected water is for outdoor/landscape use on the parcel of collection.
South Jordan FAQ
Do I need to register my rain barrel in Salt Lake County?
Not if the total stored is 100 gallons or less in above-ground containers - that is exempt under Utah Code Sec. 73-3-1.5. If you exceed 100 gallons or use underground storage (up to 2,500 gallons per container, two max), you must register your system free with the Utah Division of Water Rights at utahdwre.water.utah.gov.
Can I use captured rainwater to irrigate my whole yard?
Yes, but only on the parcel where the rainwater was collected. Utah Code Sec. 73-3-1.5 requires beneficial use on the same parcel - you cannot transfer rainwater off-site or share with a neighbor's lot.
Is harvested rainwater safe to drink?
Not without treatment. Roof-runoff rainwater is generally not potable - it may contain trace metals, bacteria, or particulates. The Utah Division of Drinking Water does not recognize untreated rainwater as a public water source. Use for landscape irrigation and ornamental uses; avoid food-crop irrigation without treatment.
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