Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and cost-effective method of collecting and storing rainwater for residential and commercial use. Compared to groundwater wells and surface water-based public systems, rainwater harvesting can offer significant benefits, particularly in drought-prone areas.
Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Water Quality
Drought Resiliency & Reliability
Drought Resiliency & Reliability
- Naturally Clean & Soft: Rainwater is free of many contaminants found in groundwater and surface water, such as heavy metals and chemicals. Proper filtration and disinfection ensure high-quality drinking water.
- Avoids Groundwater Contamination Risks: Unlike wells, rainwater systems are not vulnerable to potential groundwater contaminants, s
- Naturally Clean & Soft: Rainwater is free of many contaminants found in groundwater and surface water, such as heavy metals and chemicals. Proper filtration and disinfection ensure high-quality drinking water.
- Avoids Groundwater Contamination Risks: Unlike wells, rainwater systems are not vulnerable to potential groundwater contaminants, such as septic leaks, agricultural runoff, and other surface pollutants.
Drought Resiliency & Reliability
Drought Resiliency & Reliability
Drought Resiliency & Reliability
- Supplemental Supply Option: Rainwater harvesting systems provide flexibility—
- Independence from Water Restrictions: During drought conditions, municipal water users often face usage limits, while well owners risk pump failures due to groundwater levels falling. Rainwater systems allow homeowners to store water ahead of dry periods and sup
- Supplemental Supply Option: Rainwater harvesting systems provide flexibility—
- Independence from Water Restrictions: During drought conditions, municipal water users often face usage limits, while well owners risk pump failures due to groundwater levels falling. Rainwater systems allow homeowners to store water ahead of dry periods and supplement as needed.
- Efficient Water Management: With proper storage capacity and conservation practices, a well-designed rainwater system can sustain household water needs even during extended times of drought. If needed, tanks can be refilled with trucked-in water, ensuring a continuous supply.
Cost comparison to wells
Drought Resiliency & Reliability
Cost comparison to wells
- Installation Costs: The upfront costs of installing a rainwater harvesting system can be offset by its long-term economic and environmental benefits. Initial costs vary based on system size and complexity, including tanks, gutters, and filtration. However, they are often comparable to or lower than drilling a new well, especially in areas
- Installation Costs: The upfront costs of installing a rainwater harvesting system can be offset by its long-term economic and environmental benefits. Initial costs vary based on system size and complexity, including tanks, gutters, and filtration. However, they are often comparable to or lower than drilling a new well, especially in areas with deep or low-quality groundwater.
- Maintenance Costs: Routine maintenance includes gutter cleaning and occasional filter changes. Unlike wells, which require pump repairs, testing, and potential re-drilling, rainwater systems have lower long-term maintenance costs.
rainwater harvesting guides
The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting - TWDB
Rainwater Harvesting - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
"Rainwater is valued for its purity and softness. It has a nearly neutral pH, and is free from disinfection by-products, salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants. Plants thrive under irrigation with stored rainwater."
Texas Water Development Board, Third Edition, 2005
Rainwater Harvesting - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Rainwater Harvesting - Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
"Efficient water use is increasingly important to Texas. With the state’s growing population and limited supply of both groundwater and surface water, Texans must use water wisely. Rainwater harvesting is an innovative approach anyone can use."
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 2013
Guide to Yard Care - TCEQ Take Care of Texas
Guide to Yard Care - TCEQ Take Care of Texas
"In fact, by collecting rainwater from just 10 percent of the residential roof area in Texas, we could conserve over 31 billion gallons of water annually."
Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Barrels (Pg 10)
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Take Care of Texas, 2019