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link to www.ext.colostate.edu]
Senate Bill 09-080, which was passed and signed during the 2009 legislative session, allows limited collection and use of precipitation for Colorado landowners. The changes apply only to residential properties that are supplied by a well (or could qualify for a well permit). Landowners will complete a permit application, supplied by the Division of Water Resources, that will provide notice of their intent to collect precipitation and a description of how they intend to do it.
To qualify for a permit, you must meet a minimum of the following criteria:
The property on which the collection takes place is residential property.
The landowner uses a well, or is legally entitled to a well for the water supply.
The well is permitted for domestic uses according to Section 37-92-602 or Section 37-90-105, C.R.S..
There is no water supply available in the area from a municipality or water district.
The rainwater is collected only from the roof.
The water is used only for those uses that are allowed by, and identified on, the well permit.
In addition, HB 09-1129, is also a new law that allows developers to apply for approval to be one of ten statewide pilot projects that harvest rainwater and put it to beneficial, but non-essential, use in the subdivision. These projects may only operate according to an engineered plan, submitted to the state engineer for approval and eventually, to the water court. This new law does not apply at all to individual homeowners.
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