What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain from rooftops or other surfaces for later use. In Texas, it can reduce strain on municipal systems, improve drought resilience, and provide a high-quality water source for landscapes and other non‑potable uses. With appropriate treatment and code compliance, systems can also be designed for whole‑home potable supply in many jurisdictions.

How it works

  1. 1) Catchment: Rain falls on your roof.
  2. 2) Conveyance: Gutters/downspouts route the water.
  3. 3) Storage: Water is stored in a tank or cistern.
  4. 4) Treatment: Screening and filtration for most non‑potable uses; for whole‑home potable systems add disinfection and multi-stage filtration along with UV and carbon treatment.
  5. 5) Use: Irrigation, outdoor cleaning, toilet flushing, emergency use, or, with proper design, whole‑home potable supply.

Why it’s a fit for Texas

  • Improved water quality: rainwater is naturally low in dissolved solids and chemicals found in municipal water. Along with no PFAS.
  • Self-reliance: reduce dependence on outside utilities.
  • Landscape health: rainwater is typically more plant-friendly.
  • Whole‑home potential: with appropriate treatment, systems can supply potable water.
  • Policy support: Texas encourages rainwater capture statewide.

Common system components

Roof & Gutters

Sound roof, gutters, downspouts, and leaf screens guide water to storage.

First‑Flush & Filtration

Simple devices improve quality by diverting initial runoff and screening debris.

Tank/Cistern

Above‑ground or buried storage sized to your roof area and typical demand.

Frequently asked questions

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