Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Tuesday - November 25, 2008
From: Waco, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Best of Smarty, Rainwater Harvesting
Title: Information about rainwater collection systems
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am wanting to design and install a rainwater collection system, and would like recommendations on suppliers, how to operate, detailed info on construction, capacity and pumping. Any info you can provide is much appreciated. Thanks.ANSWER:
First, for a general overview of rainwater collections systems, let me refer you to our How to Article, "Rainwater Harvesting".
The Texas Water Development Board has an excellent online publication. "The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting", with information about rainwater harvesting system components, water quality and treatment, cost estimation and financial incentives. From the manual: "The scope of this manual is to serve as a primer in the basics of residential and small-scale commercial rainwater harvesting systems design."
For an easy-to-read book filled with useful, practical information about rainwater collection and constructing collection systems in the Hill Country of Texas, find a copy of Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged by Suzy Banks with Richard Heinichen.
The City of Austin also has a Rainwater Harvesting article in their online publication, "Sustainable Building Sourcebook" and also have links to other information, including "Rainwater Harvesting Suppliers" on their Water Conservation page.
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