Utah County, UT Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Utah is a prior appropriation state where all water, including rainwater, is state-owned. Utah Code §73-3-1.5 governs residential collection: without registration, residents may collect in two covered containers of 100 gallons or less (200 gal total). With free registration through the Utah Division of Water Rights online portal, collection extends to 2,500 gallons in underground storage. Utah County water restrictions are especially relevant due to Great Basin drought — Utah Lake levels and the Provo River watershed face chronic shortages. Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD) serves most of Utah County and enforces landscape water restrictions tied to the Provo River Project and Jordanelle Reservoir. Collected water is limited to outdoor irrigation on the parcel of collection. Commercial or agricultural collection beyond 2,500 gallons requires a formal water right — a process involving public notice and State Engineer approval. Rain barrels must be covered to prevent mosquito breeding per Utah Department of Health mosquito abatement rules.