Rain Barrels and the Changing Legal Landscape in Colorado

Rain barrels have long been seen as a simple yet effective solution for conserving water, reducing stormwater runoff, and promoting sustainability. By collecting rainwater from rooftops, homeowners can use it for non-potable purposes like watering gardens, lawns, and plants. However, in Colorado, a state where water rights are tightly regulated, the practice of using rain barrels has been historically restricted. Over the past few years, though, the state has seen a shift in how rainwater collection is viewed under the law, making it easier for residents to use this valuable resource.

Why Rain Barrels Matter

It's important to understand why rain barrels are such a valuable tool for water conservation. Rain barrels are typically installed beneath downspouts on homes or other buildings, where they collect rainwater that falls on the roof. The water is stored in large barrels or tanks and can be used for various outdoor purposes, such as watering gardens, lawns, or washing cars.

Using a rain barrel has several key benefits:

1. Water Conservation: As the global population grows, the demand for water is increasing. Rain barrels provide a way for homeowners to use a renewable resource—rainwater—rather than drawing from municipal water supplies or other sources.
2. Reduced Water Bills: Using rainwater for outdoor irrigation can significantly reduce a household’s water bill, especially during the dry months when irrigation needs are highest.
3. Stormwater Runoff Reduction: Capturing rainwater helps reduce stormwater runoff, which can cause flooding, erosion, and water pollution. By diverting rainwater into a barrel, less water is sent into storm drains, helping local water systems handle precipitation more effectively.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Harvesting rainwater reduces reliance on treated water, which requires significant energy for purification and distribution. It also supports sustainable living by making use of a free, naturally occurring resource.

Colorado’s Water Rights System and Historical Restrictions

In Colorado, the state’s water laws are governed by a system known as "prior appropriation," a legal framework that allocates water based on a first-come, first-served basis. Under this system, individuals or entities that hold water rights have exclusive rights to divert and use water from rivers and streams. The state’s laws surrounding water rights are complex and have historically made it difficult for residents to collect rainwater, as any diversion of water, even rainwater, was subject to regulation.

The primary concern with rainwater harvesting in Colorado was that it could potentially affect downstream water users. If homeowners collected too much rainwater and prevented it from flowing into the local water system, it could limit the availability of water for those with legal water rights downstream. For this reason, rainwater harvesting was largely restricted for many years, and in most cases, residents were not allowed to collect rainwater without a permit.

While the intent of the law was to protect water rights and prevent potential harm to those downstream, it resulted in confusion and a lack of widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting systems. For many Coloradans, the idea of using a rain barrel seemed out of reach, and sustainable water use methods were limited.

The Changing Landscape: Legal Shifts in Colorado

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of rainwater harvesting, both for conservation and sustainability. In 2009, Colorado passed legislation that allowed residents to use rain barrels, but it was initially limited in scope. The law permitted homeowners to collect rainwater, but only for non-potable uses like irrigation, and only under certain conditions. Residents were required to adhere to strict rules, including ensuring the water did not interfere with legal water rights or affect water quality.

One of the most significant changes in Colorado law came in 2016, when a law was passed allowing homeowners to legally use rain barrels for the first time. This law permitted individuals to collect up to 110 gallons of rainwater per property for non-potable use. However, rainwater harvesting systems were required to meet certain conditions:

• Rain barrels had to be covered to prevent contamination or breeding of mosquitoes.
• The collected water could only be used for outdoor irrigation and not for consumption or any other potable purposes.
• Property owners had to ensure the rainwater harvesting system did not interfere with any existing water rights.

This change was a major step forward in allowing Colorado residents to tap into a resource that had been previously restricted. It reflected a growing recognition that rainwater harvesting could be an effective, sustainable way to conserve water in a state that often faces drought conditions.

What’s New in Colorado’s 2025 Law?

As of 2025, Colorado has made further strides in expanding access to rainwater harvesting. The state has introduced legislation that relaxes some of the previous restrictions on rainwater collection, giving more flexibility to homeowners. For example, the limit on how much water could be stored in rain barrels has been lifted for many residential properties. Homeowners can now install larger systems, allowing them to store more rainwater for later use. Additionally, the law encourages municipalities and developers to incorporate rainwater harvesting systems in new construction projects and urban planning initiatives.

These updates have made rainwater collection an increasingly practical and accessible option for residents of Colorado, regardless of their location or property size. The state’s approach has shifted from one of restriction to one of encouragement, recognizing the environmental benefits of rainwater harvesting while balancing the need to protect water rights.

The shift in Colorado's laws surrounding rain barrels represents a broader movement toward sustainability and environmental stewardship. As residents become more aware of the benefits of rainwater harvesting, the demand for rain barrels and other water conservation technologies is expected to grow. The legal changes that have taken place in Colorado reflect a commitment to ensuring that individuals can use this resource responsibly and in a way that benefits both them and their communities.

Planning a Drought-Resistant Landscape

Design a drought-resistant landscape by selecting native, low-water plants, improving soil with compost, using drip irrigation, and adding hardscaping. Regular maintenance ensures a sustainable, low-water garden.

Planning a Drought-Resistant Landscape: Sustainable Design for a Water-Efficient Future

As climate change and water scarcity become more pressing concerns, planning a drought-resistant landscape has never been more important. A thoughtfully designed landscape that requires minimal irrigation not only conserves water but also creates a resilient, low-maintenance outdoor space. Whether you're redesigning your entire yard or simply seeking to reduce water usage, here are key steps to creating a sustainable, drought-tolerant landscape.

1. Assess Your Environment

Before choosing plants, it's important to assess the unique conditions of your yard. Take note of the sun exposure, soil type, and microclimates within your space. Some areas may receive full sun, while others may be shaded for part of the day. Soil quality is also critical, as some plants thrive in sandy, well-draining soil, while others do better in clay or loamy soil. Understanding these factors will help you select plants that are best suited to your specific environment, reducing the need for supplemental watering.

2. Choose Drought-Resistant Plants

Selecting drought-resistant plants is the cornerstone of any water-efficient landscape. Look for species that are native to your region or that have evolved to withstand dry conditions. These plants have adapted over time to thrive with minimal water. Native plants such as lavender, coneflowers, and desert marigolds require less maintenance and are better at surviving long periods of drought. Drought-resistant grasses like blue fescue, muhly grass, and switchgrass also add texture and movement to your landscape while needing little water once established. Be sure to choose plants that will complement one another in terms of height, color, and texture to create a visually appealing design.

3. Improve Soil Quality

Healthy soil is essential for a thriving drought-resistant landscape. To improve soil moisture retention, consider adding organic matter like compost or mulch. Mulch acts as a barrier, helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It also improves the overall health of the soil over time, which in turn benefits the plants growing in it. Avoid tilling your soil too often, as this can lead to compaction, reducing its ability to retain water effectively.

4. Efficient Watering Practices

While the goal is to minimize water use, proper irrigation is still important for establishing your drought-resistant plants. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses that target the roots, minimizing evaporation and water waste. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth, allowing plants to become more drought-tolerant over time.

5. Use Hardscaping Elements

Incorporating hardscaping elements, such as patios, pathways, and retaining walls, can help reduce the amount of lawn space that requires regular watering. These elements can also add structure and visual interest to your landscape, while reducing maintenance. Choose permeable materials like gravel or flagstone that allow rainwater to penetrate the soil, reducing runoff and promoting water absorption.

6. Practice Maintenance and Adjustments

Once your drought-resistant landscape is established, it requires less maintenance than traditional gardens. However, periodic upkeep is still necessary. Regularly check for weeds, which can compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Prune dead or overgrown branches to ensure healthy growth. Over time, you may need to adjust your plant choices or watering schedule based on changing weather patterns.

Creating a drought-resistant landscape not only helps conserve water but also contributes to a sustainable and resilient environment. By carefully selecting drought-tolerant plants, improving soil quality, and using efficient irrigation techniques, you can design a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that thrives even in dry conditions.

Water is a vital resource for life, yet it is often taken for granted. In states like Colorado, where water availability can fluctuate significantly due to climate and geography, conserving this precious resource is not just important, it’s essential.

Colorado’s unique location in the western United States places it in a region known for its dry climate and periodic droughts. While the state is home to the Rockies, providing access to snowmelt that fills rivers and reservoirs, this water supply is not limitless. As the climate changes, Colorado is experiencing warmer temperatures, which means more precipitation falls as rain rather than snow. This shift impacts the snowpack that traditionally serves as the state’s water storage, making water less predictable and harder to manage.

Moreover, Colorado’s population has been growing steadily. With more people comes an increased demand for water in households, industries, and recreational areas. This places additional stress on already limited water supplies.

One of the largest contributors to water waste in Colorado is the widespread use of irrigation for lawns. Maintaining lush, green lawns in an arid state like Colorado requires an immense amount of water, and unfortunately, much of this water is wasted. In many cases, lawns are overwatered, and irrigation systems are inefficient, using more water than is needed to keep grass healthy. A significant portion of residential water use goes toward outdoor watering, and much of it ends up evaporating or running off into the streets instead of being absorbed into the soil.

This water waste exacerbates the strain on the state’s water resources, especially during the summer months when demand is at its peak. Even though Colorado experiences seasonal rainfall, much of the water is often absorbed by thirsty vegetation or lost due to evaporation before it can be effectively used. The growing popularity of artificial turf, xeriscaping (landscaping that requires little or no irrigation), and other drought-resistant landscaping alternatives offer a way to reduce water use significantly while still maintaining attractive yards.

Conserving water in Colorado not only helps maintain a reliable water supply but also protects the state’s delicate ecosystems. Rivers and streams that flow through the state’s valleys and plains are home to a variety of wildlife, and reduced water levels can threaten these habitats. The Colorado River, which supplies water to millions of people across the southwestern United States, is already experiencing reduced flow due to overuse and climate change. Effective water conservation efforts within Colorado can help ease the pressure on this vital water source.

Water conservation matters in Colorado because it helps ensure a sustainable future for residents and ecosystems alike. As the state faces challenges related to population growth, climate change, and limited water supplies, taking steps to reduce water use—particularly by cutting back on lawn irrigation—can make a meaningful difference in preserving this precious resource for generations to come.