Rainwater Harvesting Solutions

In 2016, the Colorado legislature amended laws to make it legal for residents to collect and store up to 110 gallons of rainwater on their property. That is two 55-gallon rain barrels per plot. 

Learn more about the State Statute and common FAQS

• Colorado State University Extension Rainwater Collection in Colorado  - https://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/natres/06707.pdf
• Rainwater, Storm Water & Graywater from the Colorado Division of Water Resources - https://dwr.colorado.gov/services/water-administration/rainwater-storm-water-graywater

Rainwater Harvesting Links:

• Rainwater Collection in Colorado, Colorado State University Extension
• Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Brad Lancaster
• Rainwater Harvesting, Colorado Stormwater Center
• Rainwater Harvesting Guide for Beginners
• A Beginner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting, Starre Vartan
• Planting the Rain to Grow Abundance, Brad Lancaster | TEDxTucson
• Brad Lancaster’s “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond” Book

How to Build a Rain Barrel: 

• Earth Minded Do-It-Yourself Rain Barrel Kit
• Building a Rain Barrel - Easy as 1, 2, 3
• Groundwork Denver Rain Barrel Tutorial
• Make Your Own Rain Barrel
• Colorado Stormwater Center Rain Barrel Installation Guide 

How to Plant a Rain Garden:

• Bilingual Certified Rain Garden Installer Training (City of Fort Collins, Nature in the City)
• Waterwise Yard Webinar: Rain Gardens and their Benefits (English)
• How to Build a Rain Garden, City of Greeley
• Building a Rain Garden in Colorado

How to Plant a Pollinator Garden:

• Native Planting Technique
• Best Practices for Establishing & Maintaining Colorado Native Plants

There are many DIY Guides to help you install downspouts at home; here are a few to get your started!

How to Redirect a Downspout
Lake Champlain Basin Program
https://www.lcbp.org/get-involved/learn/reduce-runoff/how-to-redirect-a-downspout/
 

Downspout Redirects attach to existing gutter systems on your home. They direct rainwater toward your plants and trees to support irrigation. This simple system takes advantage of natural rainfall, helping you conserve water and reduce your utility bills. It's an eco-friendly solution that also helps prevent soil erosion and foundation damage by controlling where water flows.

Pros:

• Water conservation – Uses free rainwater instead of tap water for irrigation.
• Lower water bills – Reduces the need for hose or sprinkler use.
• Healthier plants – Rainwater is free of chlorine and other treatment chemicals.
• Prevents flooding – Helps direct water away from your home's foundation.
• Easy to install – Most redirect systems are affordable and DIY-friendly.

Learn More:

Ask This Old House provides an overview about what to know about gutter downspouts, including how they work and the different types of downspouts on the market. Watch at Understanding Gutter Downspouts | Ask This Old House

Examples of downspout redirects:

Why Install a Rain Barrel (or two)?

A rain barrel helps save water and money by collecting rain that would otherwise run off your roof. In dry places like Denver and the Front Range, it gives you free water for your garden, even during droughts. It also helps keep rivers and lakes clean by reducing runoff, which can carry dirt and pollution into the water.

Getting the right kind of rain barrel is important for keeping your plants healthy and keeping your system low-maintenance and long-lasting!**

A Plastic Rain Barrel with a Diverter is the best choice because they are:

• Easy to clean
• Simple to install
• Overflow water goes back into your existing downspout
• Easy to prepare for winter

Not all rain barrels are safe or easy to use. Here are a few things to look out for:

1. Screens Can Cause Problems
   1. Some screens let in sunlight, which can cause algae to grow.
   2. If the holes are too big, bugs and dirt can still get in.
2. Terracotta Planter Tops.
   1. These barrels may look nice, but the planter on top can collect water if it’s empty.
   2. Standing water = mosquito breeding ground!
3. No Sealable Lid
   1. Rain barrels need a tight-fitting or screw-on lid.
   2. Without one, water and bugs can get in, and it’s harder to winterize.
4. Winter Trouble
   1. Some barrels need extra work or to be put away in winter.
   2. You may need to add a downspout extender to keep water away from your home’s foundation.