Can You Legally Collect Rain Water In North Dakota?

You've probably heard of or seen people trying to collect rainwater from their houses.

They even sell drums to collect rainwater at places like Menards, Lowes, and Walmart.  You can read more about that here, but is it legal to do so?  More on that in a moment.

If you live in or around the "Bismarck Bubble" you know that rain in this area is a commodity.  Some people think it's the river that causes precipitation to just fall apart as it approaches Mandan and Bismarck, but there is definitely something to it.

Tough to argue otherwise as rain systems continually break up near us and then reform and intensify as they move further east.  Look no further than a place like Jamestown, which seems to get all the precipitation these days.

So, it would only make sense if you live in an area where water can be at a premium, that you would be allowed to collect it right?

You would like to think so, but the government and legislation tend to not make a lot of sense sometimes.  Don't believe me?  Just look at some of the crazy laws that are still on the books in North Dakota.  You can read all about those here.

That brings me back to the question.  Is it legal to collect rainfall in North Dakota?

According to World Population Review, it's not only legal but ENCOURAGED.  Same with Montana and Minnesota.  In the state of South Dakota, it's also legal to collect rainfall.  Only a handful of states (mostly in the southwest) are there restrictions on collecting rainfall.

There you have it, it might be a wise investment for your garden or lawn to start collecting rainfall.  I know I'm going to look into it, my water bills tend to get a little nuts in July and August.