Do Your Part Drop By Drop – Harvest Rainwater

by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA Public Relations Chairperson

“We never know the worth of water until the well is dry.”
                                                                        -Thomas Fuller

As of December 2024, 50% percent of Texas, including Collin County, was suffering from serious drought conditions. And, Lake Lavon, the primary source of water for our area, was below normal levels (I was shocked at how much the water level at the lake had dropped in a four-week time frame). Water quality and quantity continues to be a troubling issue.  While no water restrictions are currently in place, residents and businesses need to be vigilant about preserving our water resources.

While many homeowners fuss about when and how they irrigate their landscapes, the truth is overwatering is the biggest mistake homeowners make, not realizing they are wasting gallons of water daily. Most plants die from too much water than lack of it. Overwatering shortens a plant's life and increases susceptibility to disease. Watering lawns and plants deeply, but less frequently makes for healthier plants and turf, encouraging deep root growth and drought tolerance.

It is easy to implement an ongoing water conservation plan indoors and out. There are many conservation measures gardeners and “yardeners” can adopt that will protect our precious water resources. The first step is to select plants that are well-adapted to our area. The second is to have an updated irrigation system that operates correctly for a water-efficient landscape. Irrigation should be considered a supplement to natural rainfall- not a daily ritual. Keep it set on manual, watering only when needed. (In the winter in Texas that’s about twice a month, and don’t water when the ground is frozen). The third is rainwater harvesting using rain barrels.

Rainwater harvesting is simply collecting and storing rainwater. The most common method is to collect rainwater from the roof, funneling the water from the gutters into catchment tanks, like cisterns or barrels. Use the collected water to help water your garden during our driest months.  Best of all, there are no restrictions on using collected rainwater. You can use it anytime!

Skeptics may wonder just how much difference one barrel can really make. The answer may surprise them. About 32,000 gallons of water runs off the roof of an average home each year. Just a half-inch of rain falling on 1,000 square feet of roof area served by a downspout yields 300 gallons of water! A half-inch rainfall will easily fill a 55-gallon rain barrel.  Hook up multiple rain barrels to empty into each other for even more water savings.

Collin County has approximately 40 rain events a year, so if a rain event filled up the barrel every time, the homeowner would save 2200 gallons of water per year by using just one rain barrel. Capturing rainwater for use in the landscape makes efficient use of a valuable resource, and helps reduce pollution, erosion, and improves local watershed health. In fact, if all Texas households collected rainwater, we could keep more than 10 billion gallons in our lakes, rivers, and aquifers!

Installing a rain barrel results in automatic water savings and is an easy, cost-effective way to collect and store water that would otherwise be storm run-off, picking up and carrying harmful pollutants into our local waterways. Reducing water bills and reducing demands on the community water supply are among the reasons why people should consider installing rain barrels. 

A rain barrel system can be simple or elaborate, and they come in a variety of materials, designs, colors, and price ranges. You can purchase a rain barrel ready-made locally from many local companies. Their barrels are attractive and durable. Alternatively, you can get an unmodified barrel and make it into a rain barrel yourself. It is important to note that your barrel must be food grade since any other type might contain chemicals that could contaminate the water and soil. Food grade containers are also sturdier than trash cans, which are not designed to withstand the pressure of water. 

Building and installing rain barrels is a fun family activity! Encouraging children to think of ways to save water and be part of the solution is creating good habits that will last a lifetime. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, mark your calendar for April 13 or April 26. The City of McKinney will host a Rain Barrel Building Workshop (reservations required) that will walk you step-by-step through constructing a rain barrel. These free workshops are presented by the A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of learning how to make one yourself!  Both workshops are for adults only. Links to register for the class: April 13 class or April 26 class.

Rainwater collection for residential use does not require a city permit, but there may be design considerations to follow. Check with your HOA for restrictions in rain barrel placement or appearance. There are many ideas for different ways to camouflage them. Let your inner artist shine through!

Whether we are in drought conditions or not, people need to make it a habit to follow water conservation measures year-round. Water is a finite resource, and as stewards of this planet, it is our responsibility to preserve and protect it. Consult the Collin County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office, www.ccmgatx.org, for information about drought-tolerant plants and water conservation tips. To learn more about specific details of water restrictions, drought and water emergency plans, or information about upcoming seminars, visit www.mckinneytexas.org.

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