(NaturalNews) A Utah car dealer, in an effort to do something good for the environment, decided that he would collect rainwater on the roof of a building that would be used for a new water-efficient car wash, reports KSL.com. However, he was quickly informed by state officials that it was illegal in Utah. As it turns out, many states have similar laws about rainwater collection.
Who Owns the Rain?
Many people are under the false impression (apparently) that they own the water that falls on their own land. Technically, it's even a violation of Utah state law for homeowners to collect rainwater in a barrel and use it to water plants. Although state officials admit that it is unlikely that they will target individuals, the law states that a valid water right is needed in order to divert rainwater.