Rainwater Harvesting: Sandy vs South Jordan
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Sandy, UT and South Jordan, UT?
South Jordan has fewer restrictions than Sandy.
Sandy, UT
Salt Lake County
Utah legalized residential rainwater harvesting in 2010 under §73-3-1.5. Sandy residents may collect up to 2,500 gallons in registered covered storage or up to 200 gallons in two 100-gallon containers without registration.
View full Sandy 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 | Sandy | South Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| No Registration | Up to 200 gal (2x100) | - |
| With Registration | Up to 2,500 gal | - |
| Register At | waterrights.utah.gov | - |
| Use | Same-parcel outdoor only | - |
| No Indoor | Cannot connect to plumbing | - |
| 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.
Sandy FAQ
Can I put a rain barrel under my downspout in Sandy?
Yes. Two 100-gallon barrels require no registration; larger systems need free state registration. Use water for irrigation only, not drinking or indoor plumbing.
Do I own the rain that falls on my roof?
Surprisingly, under Utah's prior-appropriation doctrine rainwater technically belongs to downstream water-rights holders, which is why collection is capped. 2010 legislation legalized residential harvesting within the limits above.
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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