A new law that took effect July 1 of this year allows Colorado homeowners to collect rainwater if they can prove they're not infringing on other water users' rights. That's right, rainwater.

It will be legal for homeowners to use rainwater for fire protection, animals, irrigation and household use. It's a touchy issue in the state, which does not import water from other states or regions and is forced by law to send it on to other states downstream.

The law establishes a pilot program that people will have to apply for. The program's size hasn't been determined.

Can you imagine? The article I read about it said the old law wasn't enforced. Good thing, when it rains hard around here we put buckets under the downspouts and use the water on the lawn.