Had this convo with a coworker yesterday: her In-Laws are on their way. We think. And while their arrival date is uncertain, it is clear when they do get here… they WILL do laundry. And LOTS of it. She had last years’ water bill to prove the family’s conviction towards doing loads of laundry… on the month they visited, her water bill spiked well-above reasonable human consumption. 50,000 gallons to be exact.

Last night, Austin’s skies threatened a downpour. I waited. Gadora is reminded of a neighborhood house I toured recently whose owner ripped out the grass in favor of indigenous and non-needy plants. She’d built this tank in her backyard that kind of made me jealous. That woman can collect some water. She would be happy, I was sure. Thought I’d touch on rain harvesting. A product of a heated ecosystem in central Florida that allowed the skies to open up quite regularly in the summers, I love the rain. And when rain happens in Texas, I can do nothing but rejoice.

Government Canyon State Natural Area

“Rainwater harvesting is one of the world’s oldest water supply methods and it is currently enjoying a revival in popularity,” starts EdwardsAquifer.net. “Rain has long been valued as a superior quality water because it is soft, free of sodium and chemicals, and is excellent for landscape use. Collecting rain also reduces flooding and can help utilities reduce peak demands during summer months.”

This “harvesting system provides 100 gallons of rainwater storage within an 8-foot vertical planted frame. Below right is the concept featured at the 2009 Interior Design Show in Toronto…..sure beats the typical barrel collection method!”

CISTA Rainwater Harvesting

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