Rainwater Harvesting 4/06/2019 1

Rainwater Harvesting 4/06/2019

Rainwater Harvesting Rainwater Harvesting MCMGA / Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Montgomery County The Woodlands 4/06/2019 Speaker: Bob Dailey, Master Gardener, Master Naturalist • General Information – Water Sources & Uses • Passive RWH – Directing & Slowing Rainwater Runoff • Active RWH – Collecting & Storing Rainwater

Rain Barrel Construction – Texas A&M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ7xr9EUDc#t=248 MCMGA: RWH at MCMGA, Self-Cleaning Rain Barrel, Part 1 Adaptive Garden: 1,100 Gallons Solar-Gravity: 2,000 Gallons Extension: 2,500 Gallons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oARtz0JA4vI MCMGA: RWH at MCMGA, Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK7xM9tNrxg Connecting to the Downspout – Rutgers Cooperative Extension https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5EnKSdWHeE How to install your Rain Barrel: The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org/rain-barrels Education Center: 8,000 Gallons

Earth-Kind: 3,000 Gallons Aquaponics: 300 Gallons Total Rainwater Storage = 17,000 Gallons

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Rainwater Harvesting The World Water Supply Key Publications (Downloadable - No Charge)

“Rainwater Harvesting” Texas A&M Publication Number B-6153 http://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/baen/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/01/B-6153.-Rainwater-Harvesting.pdf

“Texas Rainwater Harvesting Manual, 3rd Ed” (Texas Water Development Board website) https://www.twdb.texas.gov/publications/brochures/conservation/doc/RainwaterHarvestingManual_3rdedition.pdf

“Harvesting, Storing, and Treating Rainwater for Domestic Indoor Use” TCEQ Publication GI-366, Jan. 2007 http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu/files/2011/05/gi-366_2021994.pdf

“Rainwater Harvesting: A Guide for Public Water Systems”, TCEQ Publication R45 http://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/rg/rg-445.html Salt Water 97% Key Websites AgriLIFE Extension: Rainwater Harvesting – Videos, photos, “How to…” Publications http://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu/ Glaciers and How to make a rain barrel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwZ7xr9EUDc#t=248 polar ice caps 2% Connecting your Rain Barrel: Youtube video http://www.thewoodlandsgreen.org/rain-barrels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5EnKSdWHeE Potable Water 1% American Rainwater Catchment Systems Assoc. – Videos, photos, information, more links http://www.arcsa.org/

Texas Water Development Board- publications and information on RWH http://www.twdb.texas.gov/innovativewater/index.asp http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/reports/infosheets/index.asp

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District – Groundwater authority for Montgomery County, conservation information http://www.lonestargcd.org San Jacinto River Authority – Surface water authority for Montgomery County, conservation information http://www.sjra.net Harvest H20 – By Doug Pushard – Contains a lot of information on all aspects of RWH http://www.harvesth2o.com/about.shtml Master Gardeners of Montgomery County – Information on sales and training http://www.mcmga.com

TCEQ Rainwater Harvesting – Sanitizing rainwaMCMGA:ter, Rainwater downloading Harvesting publications, , The Woodlands and 4/06/2019 more http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/ MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Texas Population

Issue: Water Supply and Population Demand

50 51.0

46.4

40 41.9

37.7 33.6 30 29.5

Millions of Texans of Millions 10

0 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070

2013 State Water Plan: TWDB (Texas Water Development Board)

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Water & Your Yard - Basics Rainwater U.S.A. County Population Growth Development Impact on Runoff & Groundwater Top 14 Fastest Growing Counties > 500,000 Pre-Development Area Developed Area

Counties > 500,000

During 1950 to 2000, the Conroe-Area Jasper Aquifer groundwater level declined ~200’ During the next 13 years, this groundwater aquifer level declined another ~200’. 50% absorbed, 10% runoff 15% absorbed, 55% runoff

Published January 2017, “Yes, Mongtomery County Has a Groundwater Problem”, by Jace A. Houston (2014 USGS Scientific Investigations Map Report ), Dock Line Magazine, Lake Conroe Edition Need to slow the water down to provide time for use by plants and infiltration for groundwater replenishment https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=CF MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Texas Water Demand and Supply Water Sources & Irrigation

Issue: Water Supply and Population Demand Water Information: • Texas Water Sources: 60% aquifer, 40% surface water

• Montgomery County Water Sources: 70% aquifer, 30% surface water

• Harris & Galveston County Water Sources: About 20% aquifer, 80% surface

Potential to increase supply 9 million acre-feet with • Texas Household Water: Additional Programs by 2060 Average of 33% is used for landscape irrigation Cost 53B$ • Buffalo Household water: Surface water management Irrigation conservation 25% is used for landscape irrigation Groundwater management Water reuse Municipal water conservation Desalination • Conroe Household water: 42% is used for landscape irrigation (TWDB Technical Note 12-01, 2012)

2012 State Water Plan: TWDB (Texas Water Development Board) 1-Ac-Ft = 325,900 Gallons MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Water Rainwater Harvesting

As residents, what can we do? What is rainwater harvesting? • Water Conservation o Stop Leaks Collecting or directing rainwater for use in a o Install low volume toilets, showerheads, and variety of applications in place of municipal faucets water. o Use water efficient appliances o Reduce water-use for irrigation

• Alternate Water Souces o Greywater o Condensation Recovery o Desalination o Rainwater Harvesting

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Rainwater Harvesting Texas Rainwater Benefits of Saving Rainwater Rainwater Harvesting Do I receive enough rain to make this worthwhile? 1. Conserves our water resources 2. Reduces pollution, erosion, & flooding 3. Provides better quality water for our plants and fish 4. Provides a water source during restrictions 5. Provides better use of a valuable resource than running it into the storm drains or ditches 6. Currently this saves a little money on our water bills, but will save a lot in the future

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Rainfall in Conroe Collecting Rainwater Monthly Rainfall Average (Inches) Rainfall Data for 1981 through 2010 How much water can I collect off of my roof in Conroe, Texas? Annual average rainfall = 48”/yr 6

5 1500 4 Horizontal House + Garage 2,000 sq ft Area 3 Catchment Area 500 (Roof) 2 1” Rainfall will collect ~1,000 Gallons

Inches of Rainfall 48” Rainfall will collect ~48,000 Gallons 1

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Supply = Rainfall x 0.62 x Catchment x System (gallons) (inches) (conv) Area (Sq Ft) Efficiency Average monthly rainfall is 4.0” 48” x 0.62 x 2000 sq ft x 0.8 Conroe Airport Data Source : = 48,000 gallons/year

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Incentives Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Sales Tax Exemption Texas Tax Code 151.355 exempts rainwater Catchment Systems harvesting equipment, services, and supplies from A way to catch the water. sales tax.

HB 645 Passed by the 78th Legislature in 2003, prevents Distribution HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting A method to route it. installations. The legislation allows HOAs to require screening or shielding to obscure view of the tanks.

Storage or Application A place to put it.

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Rainwater Harvesting Systems Rainwater Harvesting Systems Papago Buttes Corporate Center, Phoenix, Arizona Shade structures / rainwater catchment areas Passive collection/distribution – rainwater directed into raingardens, CIP, etc.

Active collection/distribution – rainwater directed to storage tanks, then distributed as needed.

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 M. Robertson – Eugene OR MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Passive Rainwater Harvesting Systems Simple Rainwater Harvesting Systems Objective: To slow water movement to reduce erosion, Rain Gardens sedimentation, flooding and pollution; to provide more time for infiltration and use by plants. Passive Collection-Distribution • Catchment area  Rooftops  Parking Areas, Streets • Distribution • Landscaping for Rainwater Use  Rain Gardens  Swales  Diffusers, Sump Pumps  Contour Plantings  Terraces

 Permeable Surfaces TAMU TAMU

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Rain Gardens Along the Street Parking & Planting Areas

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Parking & Planting Areas Add a downspout diffuser

Diffuser

Bottom of 3” PVC

3/8” holes Holes on 5” spacing. Must use gutter Mendeck

Missouri Botanical Gardens Mendeck guards. Mendeck

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Add an overflow irrigation line Add an overflow irrigation line

2” Overflow Line on an IVY Rain Barrel

2” Overflow Line

2” Diffuser Line (2 rows of 3/8” holes) Mendeck Mendeck

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Contour Planting for Rainwater Use Pervious Surfaces

Contour Farming

USDA

http://www.sislersstone.com Dave Dyke Parking Areas

Walkways Mendeck Spokane Botanical Gardens MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Pervious Surfaces Limahuli Botanical Garden, Flooded Taro Terraces Concrete: Made with a coarse aggrigate with little finer material giving it higher permeability than normal concrete. Origin ~1000 AD, Kauai, Hawaii

Annual cleaning required by thoroughly wetting then vacuum sweeping the surface.

Mendeck

Walkways

Mendeck “Best Natural Botanical Garden” Designation Lone Star Water Conservation District, Conroe, TX American Horticultural Society Mendeck MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Terrace Gardens Terraces

1. Reduces erosion

2. Allows more time for water to Typical new construction soak into the ground for the plants landscaping to use & for groundwater 1 Water runs off without a recharge. chance to soak in. 2 3. Improves water quality by reducing runoff and sedimentation 3

Average Rainfall 25 in/yr 4 Changing the bed into a House was built in 1935 terrace reduces the slope Terraces were built over 70 years ago and gives the water time to be Still effective 5 absorbed. Enables you to grow a greater variety of plants.

6 Mendeck Mendeck MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Terraces Rain Flow into Planted Areas

Downspouts Mendeck Reduce the slope around trees to slow the water run-off Mendeck and have it available for the trees to use.

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Passive Rainwater Harvesting System Rain Flow into Planted Areas Terrace Rice Fields in Yunnan Province, China Author: Jialiang Gao, Peace on Earth Organization

Water flow to the trees Mendeck

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Objective: To collect rainwater for use between rainfall events. Removes water from runoff which reduces erosion, sedimentation, flooding and pollution; to provide more time for infiltration and use by plants. Tank Guage

Air Vent

Active RWH Systems Collection Line • Roof catchment • Conveyance 500 Gal

• Collection & Filter Diverter Storage First Flush First • Storage Tank Tank Link & Faucet Gravity Line To Rose Bed

• Drip Distribution Overflow Line

Tank Pads Hinged Screen Mendeck Containment Solutions: 500 Gallon Fiberglass Tanks

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 Mendeck MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Safety – Rainwater Harvesting Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Caution Caution • Tanks are heavy. Water weighs 8.3 lbs/gallon. Be sure Start at a Small Scale: they are stable and cannot be pulled over. Watch for Bird baths, potted plants in and out of the house. erosion around the base. • Lock or bolt tank access to keep out children and animals. • Screen all openings to keep out mosquitoes & critters. • Check water quality. If the bacteria level is too high, treat it per TCEQ’s recommendations. Mendeck

• Public Water Safety: Do NOT connect your system to TAMU public water! Risk for contamination is too high! If the water may be used in emergencies for drinking: • Be certain that the tanks are of food grade quality. TAMU

• If recycled, be certain they carried only food products. TAMU MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Rain Barrels Rain Barrels

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Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Rain Barrels With Plants

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems Active Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Natural Appearance

Look for discounted barrels through local groups or one of your city or county departments to:

1. Promote water conservation 2. Encourage rainwater use

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Rain Barrels Rain Barrels for Wildlife Container Type: Recycled, Trash Can Almost Finished Dragonfly RB: Add a water dish & tube. Beekeeper RB: Add a drip tube.

MCMGA Artwork by: Mike K, Helen C, & Ruth G

Recycled food barrel. Trash can. Recycled food barrel. Open top with screen. Small opening on top.

To connect the rain barrel to the downspout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5EnKSdWHeE MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 50

Slim Rain Tanks House Tanks

Mendeck

Escondido, CA 2016 Mendeck UT Austin

Bushman Tanks Mendeck Pacific Grove, CA

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Covered Rainwater Tanks Commercial Rainwater Tanks Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center TAMU Mendeck Mendeck Mendeck Aesthetic Conveyance Aesthetic Cistern TAMU MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 53 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

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Self-Cleaning Overflow Water Overflow & Clean-Up Simple Overflow vs Self-Cleaning Overflow Diagram Rain Barrel Screens & Cleaning Gutter Guards and barrel screens However, pollen passes through catch coarse material and keeps the screen. Simple Overflow Self-Cleaning Overflow out mosquitoes How can we keep it out?

Full Tank Full Tank Inflow Overflow Inflow Overflow

Still Water Mendeck

Design by Jim Bundscho

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Water Overflow & Clean-Up Add an overflow cleanup

2” Overflow Line

Rests on the bottom of barrel Mendeck Mendeck

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019

Rainwater Harvesting Maintenance Rainwater Harvesting MCMGA / Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Cold Weather Preparation The Woodlands 4/06/2019 Speaker: Bob Dailey, Master Gardener & Master Naturalist Mendeck

Winter Freeze Preparation • Shut off irrigation system • Drain all PVC pipes that are above-ground • Leave the water in the rain Mendeck 12/10/2008 - Conroe barrel

MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 MCMGA: Rainwater Harvesting , The Woodlands 4/06/2019 (Slides by Mike Mendeck, Master Gardener)