Illegal to collect and use rainwater?

[Pat McCotter]

Utah news reports that collecting/using rainwater is ILLEGAL

Collecting Rainwater Now Illegal in Many States as Big Government Claims Ownership Over Our Water
(NaturalNews) Many of the freedoms we enjoy here in the U.S. are quickly eroding as the nation transforms from the land of the free into the land of the enslaved, but what I'm about to share with you takes the assault on our freedoms to a whole new level. You may not be aware of this, but many Western states, including Utah, Washington and Colorado, have long outlawed individuals from collecting rainwater on their own properties because, according to officials, that rain belongs to someone else.

As bizarre as it sounds, laws restricting property owners from "diverting" water that falls on their own homes and land have been on the books for quite some time in many Western states. Only recently, as droughts and renewed interest in water conservation methods have become more common, have individuals and business owners started butting heads with law enforcement over the practice of collecting rainwater for personal use.
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[liftsboxes]

I got into a discussion on this news piece with some statists on another forum.  It's turns out to be a really good conversation starter about what business it is of the government (any government) to rule on things that fall from the sky on to your private property.

Among the questions asked, "If the state has the right to grant water rights, doesn't that mean that it is responsible for the water?  If it's responsible for the water, can we discipline the state when the water behaves poorly?"

[Russell Kanning]

perfect we should sue when it doesn't rain each day

i wonder where they think that water goes to after the people and small businesses use it?

in places like utah, especially in salt lake, it is very important for survival to catch that water before it goes into the desert

if you leave the government in charge they will turn it back into a barren desert instead of cherry orchards

[Tom Sawyer]

Some other places have suggested mandating cisterns...

[jaqeboy]

Pat, are you concerned with the laws in New Hampshire regarding rainwaer collection? I did quite a study of the available equipment and the practices of some New Hampshiremen who do collect rainwater for home use for Ron when he was in Deerfield. I kinda doubt there is a prohibition here because water is so plentiful here. I have all the info on the stuff one would need to do a real pro job of it now. I could look into the law here though, to close the loop.

[Pat McCotter]

Pat, are you concerned with the laws in New Hampshire regarding rainwaer collection? I did quite a study of the available equipment and the practices of some New Hampshiremen who do collect rainwater for home use for Ron when he was in Deerfield. I kinda doubt there is a prohibition here because water is so plentiful here. I have all the info on the stuff one would need to do a real pro job of it now. I could look into the law here though, to close the loop.

Hi Jack! No concern about NH. I was just showing the lengths other states go in their command and control systems.