WHAT? Oregon Man Serving Jail Time For Catching Rain Water [1]

[2]

Even if it falls from the sky, you’re not allowed to have it. Gary Harrington, a man from Medford Oregon, is learning that lesson well, serving out a 30 day prison sentence for collecting rainwater on his property. He was also slapped with a $1500 fine for diverting snow runoff and rainwater into reservoirs on his land. This action violates what some say is an antiquated law.

Harrington built the reservoirs, which hold around 13 million gallons of water, for personal use. It’s not all personal though; when wildfires hit the area, he opens up his reservoir for fire mitigation purposes. In his mind, it’s perfectly acceptable for him to collect water on his property.