The passage of the Texas Rainwater Harvesting Bill represents a giant step forward for the state’s water security and for resource conservation. Rainwater harvesting is one of the best solutions for the conflict between the limited water resources in Texas and the increasing demand for water.

More information about rainwater harvesting will be available at the second annual Rainwater Revival, held October 8, at Roger Hanks Park, in Dripping Springs. The event combines education with entertainment and features speakers on a variety of rainwater harvesting topics, live music, an auction of artist-decorated rain barrels and more.

The bill provides rule-making changes that promote rainwater harvesting for both potable (drinkable) and non-potable (non-drinkable) uses. It offers incentives for installing rainwater harvest systems in homes, businesses, schools and government buildings and makes provisions for funding rainwater harvesting demonstration projects throughout the state.

“I am proud and encouraged that such watershed legislation has moved through the process as far as it has,” says District 73 Representative Doug Miller. “I am optimistic that it will make it to the governor’s desk for his signature.” Miller explains that incentives will allow citizens a firsthand opportunity to protect the state’s precious natural resources.

Christy Muse, Hill Country Alliance executive director, says, “This special region desperately needs new tools to deal with a tremendous amount of unmanaged growth in an area with very fragile water resources. Rainwater harvesting is one of those tools.”

For more information, visit TWDB.State.Tx.Us and RainwaterRevival.com.