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A research and extension unit of the

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

CAN I HARVEST RAINWATER?

Guide for Landowners Home

Yes. You can easily do this.

In the state of Arizona, it is legal to collect any rainwater that falls on your property for future use. Rainwater can be harvested in rain barrels or cistern systems that funnel rooftop runoff to water collection tanks. If you have a roof of 1,000 ft2 that receives 10 inches of rain a year you can collect over 6,000 gallons of “free” water per year.

This collected water can be used for many purposes. With minimal or no treatment, rainwater can be used for garden and turf irrigation, dust control, or stock water supply. If you are interested in using the water for in-home purposes, some form of filtration and disinfection may be necessary.

In additional to other information provided on the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center website see, A Guide: Rain Barrel Water Harvesting.

Photo: Water harvesting containers capturing rain water from roof downspouts

For More Information, Contact:

Graham County Cooperative Extension
extension.arizona.edu/graham
928.428.2611 

Greenlee County Cooperative Extension
extension.arizona.edu/greenlee
928.359.2261

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Additional Information

About the Upper Gila River

Contact List

Acronyms

Key Regulations Impacting Land & Water Use

County Zoning

Do I Have an Easement on My Property?

Who Owns the Gila Riverbed?

Do I Have Critical Habitat on My Land?

Maintaining a Gila River Friendly Property

Glossary

 

Jump to your Question

Hunt and Fish

Limit Access to My Land (prevent dumping, ATV use)

Put Up or Take Down Fencing

Harvest Rainwater (in cisterns or barrels)

Farm

Clean an Irrigation Canal or Drainage Ditch

Perform Maintenance on Canal Structures

Burn Brush

Plant Trees, Cut Down Trees, or Change Vegetation Type

Stop a Fire in or around the River Channel

Build Structures

Sell a Piece of Land

Collect/Sell Archaeological Resources Found on Land

Drill a Well

Build Dikes & Dams

Change a Point of Diversion

Dig a Pond or Other Water Holding Structure

Graze Cattle or Other Livestock

Stop Using My Water Allocation and Not Lose It

Develop or Sell My Resources

Use Water Out of the Gila River

Modify, Clear, or Stabilize the River Channel

Sell or Lease a Water Right

 

We tackle key water policy and management issues, empower informed decision-making, and enrich understanding through engagement, education, and applied research.

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