Did you know that 1” of rain drops more than 1,000 gallons of water on a 2,000-square-foot roof?* That’s a great deal of water that can be collected. And that’s exactly why more homeowners and business developers are looking into rainwater harvesting systems.

From simply collecting rain in a barrel to elaborate rainwater harvesting into large cisterns to supply your entire household demand, the benefits are proven to save money and help protect our natural resources. The reality is that rainwater harvesting is becoming a viable alternative for supplying our households and businesses with water.

Rainwater collection systems in the Texas Hill Country are quite common. Just consider these benefits:

• When drought strikes, they provide an alternative water source and reduce the strain on the municipal water supply.
• With proper installation, the systems can collect and hold safe, clean water for both potable and non-potable uses including landscaping, lawns, and wastewater tanks.
• Rainwater is much softer than our mineral-laden hard water, it’s easier on plants since it has no chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine.
• Rainwater collection systems can save you money in the long run. In addition to a lower water bill, the Texas Legislature allows the exemption of part or all the assessed value of the property on which approved water conservation efforts are made.

Rainwater collection systems aren’t just for the farm anymore. With more emphasis on green building, you can expect rainwater harvesting systems to continue to grow in popularity.

If you have questions regarding rainwater harvesting, contact your Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate agent. They can help you determine the size, cost and maintenance requirements of a system. Plus, they’ll help guide you on when buying or selling a home or business that has an existing catchment source.

*Source: Texas A&M Rainwater Calculator