Colorado passes controversial legalization bill by Irene Shonle, CSU Extension in Gilpin County

Colorado passed a controversial legalization bill.   No, not THAT kind of legalization—we did that a couple of years ago.   No, this bill finally made it legal for us to do what every other state is allowed – or even encouraged—to do: collect rainwater off the roof!   This is a game changer for Colorado, and especially for people who are on household-use only wells (who previously had NO outdoor water rights).   Rainwater is free and collecting rain could reduce storm water run-off issues. The bill has not yet been signed by Governor Hickenlooper, but he is expected to do so shortly, as he has been a supporter.   Once signed into law, the bill will take effect August 10 th . Here is the legalese of House Bill 16-1005: PRECIPITATION FROM A ROOFTOP MAY BE COLLECTED IF: a)   NO MORE THAN TWO RAIN BARRELS WITH A COMBINED STORAGE CAPACITY OF ONE HUNDRED TEN GALLONS OR LESS ARE UTILIZED; (b)   PRECIPITATION IS COLLECTED FROM THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING THAT IS USED PRIMARILY AS A SINGLE-FAMIL