SF 2442 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Outdoor use of rainwater and stormwater provision

This bill allows Minnesota state agencies and local governments to use untreated rainwater or stormwater for outdoor purposes like irrigating parks or gardens, as long as there's no risk of people or animals consuming it or swimming in it. It explicitly prohibits using this water for drinking, swimming, or growing food crops for humans or livestock. The law applies to all government entities that set water-quality standards, expanding permitted outdoor water reuse without requiring treatment for low-risk applications. It focuses on practical, non-potable uses while maintaining safety restrictions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 13, 2025 Last action Mar 12, 2026
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What changed between versions

Introduction 1st Engrossment · 3 edits · Mar 12, 2026
MINOR
The bill was updated from its initial introduction to its first engrossment version, reflecting a change in status and a slight modification to the language regarding water use. The most significant policy change is the shift from a mandatory requirement to a permissive option for agencies allowing untreated rainwater use, along with the removal of specific prohibitions on using this water for drinking, swimming, and growing food crops.
Scope change
The bill's scope changed from mandating that agencies allow untreated rainwater use to allowing them the discretion to permit such use. Additionally, the bill now explicitly exempts agricultural activities involving food crops from the section's restrictions.
REQUIREMENT

Changed the requirement for agencies to allow untreated rainwater use to a permission to allow it, giving agencies more flexibility in setting water-quality standards.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed specific clauses that listed prohibited uses, such as using rainwater as a drinking water source, for swimming, or for growing food crops.

Added a new provision explicitly stating that the bill does not apply to or affect the use of rainwater in agricultural activities that produce food crops for humans or livestock.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Health and Human Services
upper
Mar 13, 2025
Committee
Referred to Environment, Climate, and Legacy
upper
Mar 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors