Utah Statewide Rule
Utah Rainwater Harvesting Registration Requirements
Key Facts
- Statute
- Utah Code 73-3-1.5
- No-Register Limit
- 200 gallons
- Maximum With Registration
- 2,500 gallons
- Registration Cost
- Free
Summary
Utah Code 73-3-1.5 lets homeowners capture rainwater on their own parcel. Up to 200 gallons in two covered containers needs no registration; storing more, up to a 2,500-gallon maximum, requires a free registration with the Utah Division of Water Rights.
(2) Notwithstanding Section 73-3-2, a person may: (a) directly capture and store precipitation on a parcel owned or leased by the person in accordance with Subsection (3) or (4); and (b) place the water captured and stored as provided in Subsection (2)(a) to beneficial use on the parcel on which the water is captured and stored. (3) After registering for the capture and storage of precipitation in accordance with Subsection (5), a person may collect and store precipitation in a container installed in accordance with the State Construction Code or an approved code under Title 15A, State Construction and Fire Codes Act, if: (a) for a person who uses only one container on a parcel, the total capacity of the container is no more than 2,500 gallons; or (b) for a person who uses more than one container on a parcel, the aggregate capacity of the containers is no more than 2,500 gallons.
Full Breakdown
Utah Code Section 73-3-1.5 governs rainwater harvesting throughout the state and preempts municipal restrictions on this water use. Residents may capture and store rainwater in up to two above-ground containers totaling 200 gallons or less without any registration. Larger collection systems up to 2,500 gallons require free registration through the Division of Water Rights online portal. Captured water must be used on the same parcel where collected. The State Engineer administers the registration system, and cities cannot prohibit harvesting that complies with state limits, though they may impose reasonable building code requirements on tank installation.
Violations & Penalties
Unregistered collection above 200 gallons may forfeit water to downstream users. Civil penalties under Title 73 may apply for unauthorized large-scale capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to collect rainwater in Utah?
Can my city ban rainwater harvesting?
Where can I register a rainwater system?
Sources
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