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Is it legal to collect rainwater?

Anthony Porter
Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.

Anthony Porter

Outdoorsman and Survival Expert

Expert Answer

It can be legal to collect rainwater during a drought, but it depends on where you live. Some countries and U.S. states have restrictions, though regulations are slowly changing. Even if it's allowed, rainwater isn’t perfectly pure. Air pollution can contaminate it, and as soon as it touches the ground, it’s no longer safe to drink. You can safely collect rainwater by using a clean, sterile system and always filtering the water before using it, especially in areas with poor air quality. If you're in a pristine natural environment, the water may be safer, but filtration is still needed if you want to drink it.

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What are some problems caused by a drought?

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Most land will dry up and will not be good for farming, so there can be a food shortage. Depending on where you live, sandstorms could develop. Many animals die during a drought.

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What is the actual definition of a drought?

Community Answer

A drought is a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in its water supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water. A drought can last for months or years, or may be declared after as few as 15 days

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What is the first thing I should do if drought strikes my area?

Community Answer

Store as much water as possible, either from purchasing bottled water or decontaminating other sources of water via bleaching or boiling it.

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How long does a drought last?

Community Answer

A drought can last days, months, or years. This usually occurs in regions with low to no rainfall.

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How much water does the average person need to drink daily to survive?

Community Answer

You need to drink about 2.5L but can survive on 500ml a day, though this is not advised.

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How do I keep my animals hydrated?

Community Answer

Store large barrels of water if your water supply is drying up.

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How long does a drought last?

Community Answer

It depends on climatic conditions, so Its not predictable. But according to historical records they can last around four months.

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What can I do to prevent a drought from happening?

Community Answer

While you can't stop a drought from happening by yourself, you can take steps to reduce your water usage and encourage others to do the same. I would suggest reading through wikiHow's article on saving water for some additional advice.

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What are the conditions right before a drought?

Community Answer

There will be a prolonged period of low precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) and humidity. If the soil is badly eroded (either from natural causes like the wind or human causes like overgrazing), the land's ability to catch and hold water will be reduced. Small lakes and streams will dry up. It may also be hot for long periods of time.

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What is the effect of drought?

Community Answer

Drought can affect people's health and safety, including lower nutrients due to poor or failed crops, anxiety or depression due to economic losses, conflicts when there is not enough water, reduced incomes, fewer recreational activities, higher incidents of heat stroke and even loss of human life.

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What's the effect of drought?

Community Answer

Dependent on the type of drought (D0, D1, D2, D3, and D4) there can be crop loss, fires, water shortages, and death of livestock. Wildlife perishes. People will also feel anxious, worried about the future and many people become financially stressed. The heat and constant dryness can cause physical and emotional health problems.

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