The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting (Third Edition, 2005) is a practical guide produced by the Texas Water Development Board to help homeowners, builders, landowners, and small businesses design, install, and maintain rainwater harvesting systems. The manual covers everything from basic rain barrels to complete potable-water systems capable of supplying an entire household.
The guide begins by explaining the benefits of rainwater harvesting, including reduced dependence on municipal water supplies, lower utility costs, improved water quality for irrigation, reduced stormwater runoff, and increased resilience during droughts or infrastructure disruptions. It highlights rainwater as a naturally soft water source with low mineral content and describes numerous real-world installations throughout Texas.
A large portion of the manual focuses on system design and components. Detailed sections explain catchment surfaces, gutters, downspouts, leaf screens, first-flush diverters, roof washers, storage tanks, pumps, pressure systems, filtration equipment, ultraviolet disinfection systems, chlorination, and water treatment methods. The manual includes diagrams and sizing guidance for residential and small commercial systems.
Additional chapters discuss water quality considerations, calculating water demand, sizing storage tanks, estimating rainfall capture, system maintenance, building guidelines, cost estimation, tax incentives, and case studies. The manual serves as both an introductory guide and a practical reference for anyone interested in collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation or potable use.
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