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Water Catchment Systems in Texas

Rain is a renewable water source that is increasingly utilized across the world to meet global water demands. Water catchment systems ensure the efficient collection and storage of rainwater for household and commercial use, and include gutters, pipes, pumps, filters and a storage tank. In Texas, rainwater harvesting is governed by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), whose goal is to provide a sufficient supply to meet the growing demand for water by the state.

  1. Rainfall

    • Rainfall in Texas is generally seasonal. In some areas such as West Texas, rainfall is not adequate enough to meet all domestic needs, thus large storage tanks are recommended. Rain moves from east to west and decreases by approximately 1 inch for every 15 miles traveled. For example, Beaumont experiences roughly 56 inches of rain each year while El Paso sees only 8 inches. The longest period without rain was over three months in west Texas.

    Catchment System Storage

    • The storage tank is the main variable of catchment systems in Texas. A wide range is available, depending on use and location. Farmhouses commonly use galvanized steel and stone-and-mortar tanks, while fiberglass is used at oil fields due to its weather resistance and ease of repair. Wooden tanks are popular in urban and suburban catchment systems owing to its aesthetic appearance.

    Commercial Catchment Systems

    • In Texas, water catchment systems are exempt from sales tax, which increases its suitability for meeting commercial water needs. Over 400 catchment systems were installed by companies in Central Texas alone. In Austin, Texas, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center collects about 300,000 gallons of water each year from a roof collection area stretching across 19,000 square feet. Catchment systems save the Advanced Micro Devices Semiconductor fabrication plant approximately $1.5 million every year on water bills.

    Harvesting Guidelines

    • Catchment guidelines are constantly updated by the relevant Texan authorities. In 2003, appointment was given to a water conservation and implementation task force to design guidelines for the entire state. The following year the TWDB published the Water Conservation Best Management Practices Guide. In May 2005, house bill 2430 was passed by the Texas Legislature to instate a rainwater harvesting evaluation committee to produce quality standards on indoor rainwater use.

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