Rainwater Harvesting

We've had an unusual amount of rain this July here in North Texas.  One of the seminar topics I host several times a year for work is Rainwater Harvesting.  Over the last four years I have become an somewhat of an avid "harvester" (that is a word). 

This is my most recent addition to my rain barrel collection.  I am so happy with this barrel because our HOA isn't sending me letters about it since it's pretty.  I had a painted plastic barrel and got a "get rid of it" letter, but with this one... not a word or a letter.  LOL.

The hobby has become very fun and somewhat addictive, I would have more barrels if I had more space.   I try use to rain water for all our flowerbeds, flower pots and trees, that helps us conserve the treated water we purchase from the city.  This  barrel is located at the front of the house and collects the water from a major roof valley, as the barrel fills, I use a pump and a 75 foot hose that is hidden in our flower bed and along the side of the house to transport the water to less fancy barrels behind our fence in the back yard.  (One of these days I am going to film of video of the process).  I actually have a total of 9 barrels and collect approximately 500 gallons of water per rain event. 

I have a Pinterest board dedicated to rainwater harvesting ideas, if you are interested in learning more.  And, if your local you can register for my next Build a Rain Barrel workshop on September 19.  More information at Green McKinney web page.  . 

Hope you are having a great weekend. 

H2O

Big day. Posting from afar.

At Texas Water Conference in Galveston. Proud to be presenting an abstract about one of our water conservation programs w/colleagues from the Cities of Allen & Frisco. Special thanks to Allen for dreaming big & letting Frisco and Mckinney be a part of annual movement that teaches our residents how to conserve WATER!

Gardening Tip: Use Mulch

Use mulch in your garden. A layer of mulch helps soil hold moisture, so you water less. Organic mulches break down over time and enrich the soil. Mulch also cuts down on weeds. We've purchased quite a few truckloads for our yard and I am really weeding less! Plus, we're not having to water as often because it reduces the evaporation

The cities of McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Allen and Frisco have a partnership with Texas Pure Products in Plano, residents receive discount on bulk products. We highly recommend them.