An old technology is gaining popularity in a new way. Rainwater harvesting is enjoying a Renaissance of sorts in Texas, but it traces its history to biblical times.

Rainwater offers advantages in water quality for both irrigation and domestic use. Rainwater is naturally soft (unlike well water), contains almost no dissolved minerals or salts, is free of chemical treatment, and is a relatively reliable source of water for households. Rainwater collected and used on site can supplement or replace other sources of household water. Cost of a rainwater harvesting system is comparable that of a drilled well and pump. The primary expense is the storage tank. A good rule of thumb is about $1 per gallon of storage, although the cost of components varies widely. Operating costs can be less than those of a well, since rainwater eliminates the need for water softening treatments.

Reprinted with Permission from http://twri.tamu.edu