AUSTIN – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Travis County Master Gardeners association will present a program on how to build a rainwater harvesting system from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 17.
The program will be held in Suite A of the West Rural Community Center, 8656-A State Highway 71 West in Austin.
“People have been collecting rainwater for thousands of years,” said Daphne Richards, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture, Travis County. “Some advantages of rainwater collection are that the water is free and can be substituted for or supplement groundwater. It is also superior for landscape use and reduces runoff.”
Richards said attendees can expect to learn what they need to know to install their own basic home rainwater harvesting system or determine whether to hire a professional.
“A comprehensive rainwater harvesting discussion will be led by Ed Parken, Travis County Master Gardener and rainwater harvesting specialist, and Dick Peterson, who served the city of Austin for 14 years as coordinator of xeriscape and rainwater programs,“ she said. “More recently, Dick worked for Austin Energy Green Building, specializing in water conservation, and, now retired, he consults on rainwater projects, landscaping, new green construction and green remodeling.”
Richards said rainwater harvesting components from catchment surfaces to storage tanks and pumps will be addressed at the program.
“You can also find out what you need to produce potable water from rainwater capture, and a hands-on session offers attendees the opportunity to learn how to work with PVC,” she added.
Program cost is $20 until Aug. 11 and $25 from Aug. 12 through 17.
Register online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/TravisCounty or call 979-845-2604.
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