Collecting rainwater sounds like one of the simplest ways to conserve water at home. A rain barrel beneath a downspout can help water a garden, keep outdoor plants healthy, and reduce the amount of treated water you use.
Yet stories claiming that people can be arrested or sent to jail for collecting rainwater continue to circulate online. The truth is more nuanced: rainwater collection is legal in many places, but the rules depend on where you live and how you collect and use the water.
Some jurisdictions encourage rainwater harvesting,
