2013 HB 36 Stormwater Capture Amendments

2013 HB 36 Stormwater Capture Amendments



The bill makes sure the state water engineer does not enforce water rights laws for doing basic required storm water protection using retention and detention.

It also allows greater flexibility for home owners and businesses to capture rainwater for reuse. It keeps the 2500 gal max but allows more than (2) 100 gal containers to be used above ground if someone will notify the state through their website.

It has been reviewed by the state engineer and mosquito abatement groups as well as farmers.

It had 3 standing committee buildings last year, and passed committee, house, but ran out of time to pass the senate. This bill the bill did pass and was recommended by an interim committee for this session and has passed the house for 2013 with no votes against it.

As was proposed the end of the 2012 session the bill adds some verbiage to make sure water rights were not created by the bill.

Additional information:
Retention (holding rainwater) and Detention (slowing down rainwater) act like shock absorbers to avoid flooding businesses and homes and are required by many cities and counties.

The most obvious design to many people are the small parks in urban subdivisions that fill with water during a heavy rain storm, but drain and are relatively dry most of the time.

In Utah, when the rain drop or snow flake hits the ground, the water is the State's Water. Water Rights protects individuals who have been using this water. Several years ago, it was agreed that a person could capture and use for beneficial use up to 200 gallons above ground (in 2 containers only) and up to 2500 gallons below ground (in one container only). The controversy was due to a car wash in Salt Lake City reusing large amounts of rainwater to decrease their culinary water use. Attempts to change the overall 2500 limit have failed, due to concerns by farmers and others.

Water tanks are required to be covered to avoid mosquito problems.

By adding additional flexibility to whether or not the tanks are above ground or below ground, the bill increases the likelihood of more recycling of storm water.

We live in one of the driest states in the US. Perhaps it we reused more rainwater we could decrease some of the cost of providing more water as the population grows.

Some video's that might help explain. The 2nd one is the best.

Small storage

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20045365,00.html

1200 Gallons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH16e-1RwE8

play 8:30 min. into the video until about 11:30 min. after the ad.

Current law in Utah allows the 1st option, the 2nd option would now have to be an underground tank. That is being proposed to change, allowing what is being shown on the video.
 
Update:The bill passed with a new amendment that works.