Rainwater Harvesting

Texas encourages residents to harvest rainwater in order to help reduce the burden of drought conditions that can affect our limited water supply. 

Benefits of Harvesting Rainwater

  • conserves water 
  • can be used to water landscapes 
  • rainwater is healthier for plants 
  • reduces water bill 
  • lowers demand on water resources 
  • reduces stormwater runoff that can lead to flooding and groundwater pollution 
  • the water is free!

Uses for Harvested Rainwater

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recommends using collected rainwater for outdoor use only, such as:

  • landscape irrigation, like lawns and ground cover
  • watering indoor and outdoor plants, like shrubs, flowers, and trees
  • filling water fountains or other water features
  • washing vehicles
rainbarrel

NOTE: Harvested rainwater is not safe for drinking until filtered, as it may contain bird droppings, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals.

Rain Barrel

Further Reading:

  1. Rainwater Harvesting Guide
  2. Take Care of Texas Guide to Rainwater Harvesting
  3. Texas AgriLife Rainwater Harvesting