Exploring The Legalities Of Collecting Rainfall In North Dakota

It looks like we are finally going into somewhat of a wet pattern starting this weekend.

As my father used to say, "it's been dryer than a popcorn fart". Don't believe me? Just look at the latest North Dakota Drought Monitor.

This map is from Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. With very little precipitation so far in April, the next map due out in early May is likely to look even worse.

The good news is that our news partner, KX News, just made a post today from their meteorology department that significant rain might be on the way starting this weekend and extending into early next week. Here's that Facebook post.

According to the map above, south-central North Dakota could see an inch of rain or more. Even southwest North Dakota, which is experiencing drought conditions, could see significant moisture.

With rain on the way, 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, Lowe's, and Walmart.  You can read more about that here, but is it legal to do so?

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 not to 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.

(SEE ALSO: Crazy/Bizarre laws that are still on the books in North Dakota!)

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) have restrictions on collecting rainfall.

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