Is it illegal to collect rainwater in your state?

Fall is almost here. You can tell because everyone has started to talk about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Oh and because it’s getting darker, sooner. But, fall also brings interesting rainstorms and the truth is that all that water falling from the sky could be captured and used to water your gardens or fill your pools.

If you think the water restrictions in California are tough, check out Cape Town

But, believe it or not, it’s not legal everywhere to collect- or harvest- rainwater. So, click here to see an interactive map that shows the legal statutes and laws for each state on rainwater “harvesting.” Then, watch the video below for a bit more information on harvesting! (Trust me, this is something we should all be doing. Did you know that around 600 gallons of rainwater can be harvested from about one inch of rain if it falls from a thousand square foot roof?)