Who Owns the Rain Water??

[Hemin8r]

A friend sent this link to me. What do you guys think?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

Interesting. I figured it would be legal. I wonder if it varies from state to state.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

"If you use the water upstream, it won't be there for the person to use it downstream." Yeah but isn't the water going into a storm drain.... it isn't like people are going to be able to even use the storm drain water. At least this guy is removing a step from the process. If he were to use tap water, then that would be using water that had to be purified. Why let the rain water get dirty, and then have it get purified and sent back to you?

[CHzo6]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

Big Govt. at work.

[CieraSL]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

That's the stupidest thing I've heard in a while. Just another example of how our government thinks they own everything and wants to control everything in our lives.

[smack]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

That is so ignorant to have to have a water rights usage to use rain water for personal use.

[Setec Astronomy]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

I think they are trying to say that if you prevent the rain water from going into streams or percolate down into underground aquifers, you are grabbing the water before it gets into the public domain. That's where water companies get the water from, rivers and underground aquifers...and if Utah is the second-driest state, then it's a concern.

You know what I mean? The water company is trying to fill up their reservoirs and supply water to their customers, but if people are capturing the rainwater so it doesn't flow off into the streams, etc., then the water won't be there for the water company and the public at large. I'm not saying that this makes sense in the narrow view, but I understand the concept...and as the car dealer guy said, maybe they should review their regulations.

[tcope1]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

As mentioned in the video, they don't really care about the smaller person diverting water. The law is sound... just not for keeping water off of your roof. I think you really need to be in he west or understand the country to really appreciate why the law exists. Yes, it could be changed but it's cheaper just to enforce it correctly. Keep in mind, 90% of Utah is unpopulated. Diverting storm water can be a _BIG_ issue.

[STG]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

I think they are trying to say that if you prevent the rain water from going into streams or percolate down into underground aquifers, you are grabbing the water before it gets into the public domain. That's where water companies get the water from, rivers and underground aquifers...and if Utah is the second-driest state, then it's a concern.

You know what I mean? The water company is trying to fill up their reservoirs and supply water to their customers, but if people are capturing the rainwater so it doesn't flow off into the streams, etc., then the water won't be there for the water company and the public at large. I'm not saying that this makes sense in the narrow view, but I understand the concept...and as the car dealer guy said, maybe they should review their regulations.

You're the only person on this thread who understands what is going on. Water rights are a BIG deal, even if you don't have a farm or ranch.

Besides, what's the problem in this news report? The Toyota dealer got a permit to capture and use rain water and the city isn't going after urban home owners. For now, and that's how it should be. If and when drought conditions arise, the government will cancel the dealer's permit and go after home owners.

You guys ever hear of Los Angeles, where homeowners are restricted to certain days and how long they can water their own lawns with water they are paying for?

How about Australia, where washing cars is restricted? That's why Meguiar's sells a waterless car wash there.

Remember the Kalifornis Governator? He supported a bill making washing your own car at home illegal. It was for the environment! It was also backed by the California car wash industry.

[Kevna]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

Remember the Kalifornis Governator? He supported a bill making washing your own car at home illegal. It was for the environment! It was also backed by the California car wash industry.

I would hate to say it but it was back by the California car wash industry not because it was good for the environment, but because it was good for business. If you can't wash your car at home and the car washes are still running where do you think people who wanted clean cars are going to go?

[STG]

Re: Who Owns the Rain Water??

I would hate to say it but it was back by the California car wash industry not because it was good for the environment, but because it was good for business. If you can't wash your car at home and the car washes are still running where do you think people who wanted clean cars are going to go?

I know that! I didn't know subtle satire would fly right over your head. Next time, I'll use the sledge hammer.