Rainwater Basics
Texas’ water
supply planning process has identified that surface and groundwater
supplies will not be able to meet future
water demand. Water conservation and development of alternative water
supplies is necessary to meet our growing demand for fresh water.
Rainwater harvesting is an innovative alternative water supply approach
anyone can use. Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts, and stores
rainwater for later use. Captured rainwater is often used in landscaping,
because the water is free of salts and other harmful minerals and does
not have to be treated. It is also useful in attracting and providing
water for wildlife.
Implementing rainwater harvesting techniques directly benefits our
state by reducing demand on the water supply, and reducing run-off,
erosion, and contamination of surface water.
In many communities, 30 to 50 percent of the total water is used for
landscape irrigation. Capturing rainwater for use in the landscape
makes efficient use of a valuable resource, reducing water bills and
reducing demand on water supply.
Rainwater harvesting can also help to prevent flooding and erosion,
turning stormwater problems into water supply assets by slowing runoff
and allowing it to soak into the ground. Reducing run-off also helps
to reduce the contamination of surface water with sediments, fertilizers,
and pesticides in rainfall run-off.
Related Resources
Rainwater
Harvesting
Homeowners and landowners can construct systems to capture,
store and use rainwater to water their landscape plants.
Storage
and Supplemental Use Calculator
Determine
cumulative storage and supplemental water use for your rainwater
harvesting system.