by Roger “Doc” Stalker, El Paso Master Gardener
Rain barrel in Fort Davis, TX (Photo by Roger “Doc” Stalker, El Paso Master Gardener)
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainfall and storing it for later use. It can take active or passive forms. Rain barrels connected to gutters on a roof are an example of the active form of rainwater harvesting while rain gardens in the landscape are a passive form.
Since El Paso County receives the majority of its rainfall during the months July through September, we’re entering the perfect time of the year to capture the rainfall for the benefit of our plants and to decrease the amount of water we need to get from the tap.
- Benefits of rainwater harvesting include:
- Money savings and water bill reduction by using the stored rainwater to irrigate landscape plants houseplants
- Reduces the demand on municipally treated water supplies
- Reduces urban rainfall run-off contributing to surface water contamination with fertilizers and pesticides
- Reduces flooding and erosion
- In this Good to Grow show, Denise Rodriguez and Norma Martinez talk with Rainwater Harvesting Specialist, Doc Stalker, about how passive rainwater harvesting can benefit your landscape.
Below you’ll find some articles with more information on rainwater harvesting.
Rainwater Harvesting 
Installing A Drip Irrigation System to a Rain Barrel (Video)
The Texas Rainwater Harvesting Manual 
A Waterwise Guide to Rainwater Harvesting
A Waterwise Guide to Rainwater Harvesting (Spanish version)