Rainwater Harvesting: South Jordan vs West Valley City
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between South Jordan, UT and West Valley City, UT?
South Jordan and West Valley City have similar restriction levels.
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 →West Valley City, UT
Salt Lake County
Rainwater harvesting is legal in West Valley City under Utah Code §73-3-1.5. Residents may collect up to 2,500 gallons in registered storage (or 200 gallons without registration) without a water right. No additional city permits required.
View full West Valley City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | South Jordan | West Valley City |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State Law | - | Utah Code §73-3-1.5 |
| No Registration | - | Up to 200 gallons |
| With Registration | - | Up to 2,500 gallons |
| Registration Cost | - | Free (Division of Water Rights) |
| City Permit | - | None required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
West Valley City FAQ
Do I need to register my rain barrel in West Valley City?
Only if total storage exceeds 200 gallons. Registration is free at waterrights.utah.gov and covers up to 2,500 gallons total.
Can I use harvested rainwater to irrigate my lawn?
Yes, on the parcel where it was collected. Utah law permits use for beneficial purposes including irrigation, provided you stay within the volume limits.
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