The Truth About Rainwater Collection

Photo courtesy: motherearthnews.com

From China to India to South America, rainwater collection has been and still is an ongoing practice. In some arid regions, it is a necessity. But until recently, rainwater collection in parts of the United States was intensely restricted. In Colorado, for example, it was believed that people who collected rainwater for personal use were stealing it from those who had rights to watershed areas. In 2007, a study revealed that nearly 97% of rainwater thought to be reaching watershed areas, never did. The water was lost to evaporation and plant use long before it ever got near a watershed area. As a result of the study, the laws were changed in 2009 to allow people who meet certain criteria permission to install rooftop water collection systems. Still, in Colorado you cannot drill a well unless you own 35 acres of land or more. Other States, however are much more reasonable. In fact, in 2012 the State of Oklahoma passed new water legislation that encouraged water conservation. So much so, that their goal is to 

"work toward a goal of consuming no more fresh water in the year 2060 than is consumed statewide in the year 2012." - section 2 of the Water for 2060 act.

Not bad! Ohio and Texas however, are leading the nation in their practices. Water collection is allowed even for potable purposes. In parts of New Mexico, rainwater collection has become mandatory for new dwellings to stave off water shortages during dry seasons. Some states such as Rhode Island and Texas offer tax credits on the purchase of rainwater collection materials. Virginia even offers an income tax credit to any person or company who collects rainwater. For more information on pending legislation, visit the NCSL website at: http://www.ncsl.org/research/energy/energy-environment-legislation-tracking-database.aspx

So why does any of this matter anyway? Water is our most valuable resource. Without it, we die. As the world continues to desertify at an alarming rate and our drinking water becoming more and more contaminated with pollution, we are forced to rethink our water usage. Conservation today, could save lives in the years to come. Definitely something to think as you work out your own water conservation plan. 

Until next time,

Be Well!