Colorado Rain Barrel Laws & Why Rainwater Harvesting Matters During Drought

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Colorado’s Drought Makes Water Conservation More Important Than Ever

Colorado is no stranger to drought conditions. In recent years, dry winters, reduced snowpack, and hotter summers have placed increased pressure on the state’s water supply. Communities across the Front Range are constantly monitoring reservoir levels and water usage, and many cities already enforce seasonal watering restrictions.

Depending on weather conditions, additional water restrictions can become necessary during the summer months. These restrictions may limit how often homeowners can water lawns or gardens.

Because of this, many homeowners are looking for simple ways to conserve water while still keeping their landscaping healthy. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by installing a rain barrel system to collect rainwater from your roof.

Rainwater harvesting allows homeowners to capture free water from storms and reuse it to support gardens, plants, and landscaping.

Are Rain Barrels Legal in Colorado?

For many years, collecting rainwater was not allowed in Colorado because of the state's complex water rights laws. However, legislation that passed in 2016 changed the rules. Colorado homeowners are allowed to collect rainwater from their roofs in rain barrels for outdoor irrigation, according to guidance from the Colorado Division of Water Resources.

Colorado rain barrel laws allow homeowners to:

• Install up to two rain barrels per property

• Store a combined total of 110 gallons

• Collect rainwater from rooftop downspouts

• Use the water only on the same property

• Use the water for outdoor irrigation only

This means homeowners can legally collect rainwater to water plants, gardens, lawns, and landscaping.

Why Rainwater is Great for Your Garden

Rainwater is often better for plants than treated tap water. When rain falls naturally, it contains fewer chemicals and salts than municipal water.

Rainwater is naturally:

• Free of chlorine and water treatment chemicals

• Slightly oxygenated as it falls through the air

• Naturally balanced for soil health

Because of this, gardeners often notice plants growing stronger and healthier when watered with collected rainwater.

Filling a watering can and sharing that pure rain water on your garden is great for water conservation and your plants love it too.

Rainwater is especially beneficial for:

• Vegetable gardens

• Flower beds

• Shrubs and landscaping

• Potted plants

• Lawn areas

Capturing rainwater also helps reduce stormwater runoff and supports responsible water use in your community.

Why Every Homeowner Can Make a Difference

When drought conditions occur, water conservation becomes a shared responsibility. While a single rain barrel may not seem like much, thousands of homeowners collecting rainwater can significantly reduce the demand on municipal water systems. Colorado State University Extension also provides educational resources explaining how rain barrels help homeowners conserve water and manage roof runoff responsibly.

Every roof collects water during storms. Instead of letting that water run directly into storm drains, homeowners can store it and reuse it for their landscape.

Small steps like rainwater harvesting help protect Colorado’s long-term water supply while keeping your yard healthy and green.

Preparing for Possible Summer Water Restrictions

While no one can predict exactly what weather Colorado will experience each summer, drought conditions mean water restrictions are always a possibility.

Installing a rain barrel now means:

• You have a backup water source for plants

• You reduce reliance on municipal water

• Your landscaping stays healthy during restrictions

• You contribute to community water conservation

Rain barrels are a simple step that can make a big difference.

Next Week: How to Install a Rain Barrel in Colorado

In next week’s blog, we’ll discuss:

• How rain barrels connect to your gutter system

• Proper downspout installation methods

• Winterizing your rain barrel for Colorado’s freezing temperatures

• Why professional installation can protect your home