I don't know all the ins and outs, but from the little that I do remember the water (run off) belonged either to the state, or city "you" lived in. I believe it was from many years ago when the area was
very agricultural, and Mr Smith 4 miles down was allocated a certain amount.
(If I were to collect rainwater, and use it on my plants it would not be the
rush of water like from a rain storm. It would be a controlled amount, that would allow the soil to absorb the water instead of running down to Mr Smith).
I never did pay it much mind. Colorado is a semi-arid area (many years in drought), so I figured the little rain (if any) I would catch would water
a plant.
I have also heard how much Arizona depends on us to make their golf courses a beautiful shade of green. How much of this is true, I don't know..
(I almost believe if the price is right.. it could be a very real possibility).
This year is the first year that I can remember since I was about 15 that the monsoons have been back. It was wonderful this year.
I should think about getting a rain barrel really. They (could) look so much nicer than those ding dang downspouts.
