If you are thinking of using rain as a source of water—and especially if you intend to use it for drinking, cooking, or washing dishes—you should ask these questions first:

• How much rain falls in your area?
• How much area can you use to collect rain?
• How much water can you store?
• What kind of water treatment will ensure that it is safe to use?

These TCEQ publications will help you answer these questions:

• for your own home, Harvesting, Storing, and Treating Rainwater for Domestic Indoor Use (TCEQ publication GI-366)
• if you are operating a public water system, Rainwater Harvesting: Guidance for Public Water Systems (TCEQ publication RG-445)

These publications were developed in cooperation with the other members of the Texas Rainwater Harvesting Evaluation Committee and are based on the committee’s final report. (PDF file. Help with PDF.)

See the Texas Water Development Board for more information about harvesting rainwater.