General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Who needs 13 million gallons of water in private reservoirs? [View all]JayhawkSD
(3,163 posts)I believe rainwater usually is public property only when it falls on public property. Probably varies from state to state.
I think part of the issue with his collection of rainwater was that he was collecting rainwater that fell on property other than his own, and then flowed onto his land. The guy was, in effect, taking natural resources from public property without a permit.
In some states you are required to "accept" water which flows onto your land from outside your property, that is you may not prevent it from doing so, but you cannot keep or store the water. You can, however, "make use of it" as it passes through. for instance by allowing cattle to drink from the stream. I know that was the case in New Mexico when I lived there many years ago.