The Current
Edition: August 2024
The Current is the monthly newsletter of Innovative Water Solutions where we highlight the great stuff happening at our company and also bring you up-to-date with some of the current water news that could affect you. We hope you enjoy the newsletter!
Table of Contents
- Blog Post of the Month: What are the limitations of rain barrels?
- FAQ Post of the Month: How do French Drains work?
- Residential Project of the Month: Two systems Spotlight
- Commercial Project of the Month: Condo Drainage Fix
- Water News Article #1: Rainwater Harvesting Rattlesnakes!
- Water News Article #2: City of Montgomery down to 1 water source following well outage
- Water News Article #3: Maryland jurisdictions consider transforming their wastewater into drinkable water
- “Water Conservation Tip”
- Current Texas Drought Conditions
- Current Texas Water Calendar
- Video: How can I conserve water? Kid’s Edition
- Introducing….Maggie Fae!
“There’s something about the water – that solitary kind of peaceful feeling. You’re on Earth but not quite.” – John C. Reilly
Blog Post of the Month
What are the limitations or disadvantages of rain barrels?
First, let’s explore some of the semantics of rainwater harvesting. Rain barrel, as defined by rainwater harvesting professionals, are rainwater storage containers in the 50 to 250 gallon [...]
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Blog Post Date
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FAQ Post of the Month
How do French Drains work?
If you have a soggy lawn or continual standing water, the solution may be a French drain. A French drain is excellent in collecting and channeling water, diverting it safely away. If you have any [...]
Residential Project of the Month
Installed in 2023, this comprehensive rainwater harvesting system features 17 downspouts to efficiently capture rainwater from the roof. An installed backup well supply line ensures a consistent water supply even during dry periods. Key components such as a first flush diverter and floating filter ensure the collected water is clean before it undergoes further filtration for potable use. A robust pump system distributes the harvested water, meeting both the ranch and home needs. The project also includes a secondary system installed on a nearby barn, maximizing water collection across the property.
This sustainable setup exemplifies efficient resource management and self-sufficiency for a large area on their home and ranch site.
Commercial Project of the Month
Not all projects require days to accomplish. This condo was in need of some simple drainage work, and we were able to knock it out in one day. We installed a concrete wall between the parking lot and the main building to divert water. Additionally we installed the shown metal grate to allow the storm water to be directed to a more favorable location.
The residents at this condo now have less standing water in their walkways, drastically improving their quality of life onsite.
Water News You Can Use
No creature conjures up images of the burning hot desert better than the rattlesnake, with its venomous fangs, buzzing tail and ability to withstand extreme heat. But even rattlesnakes get thirsty, and they know an unusual way to quench their thirst: they harvest rainwater from their backs.
Western diamond-backed rattlesnakes emerge from their dens even in the dead of winter to collect rain, sleet and snow. They coil and flatten their bodies to gather as much moisture as possible. Rattlesnakes hunt by staying in place, waiting for their prey to come within striking distance. They can’t always go searching for water, and puddles dry up fast after rainstorms. It makes sense to use their own bodies as catchment systems. The snakes simply swivel their heads around to sip the droplets cradled in their coils.
City of Montgomery down to 1 water source following well outage
The City of Montgomery is asking residents to conserve water after one of the city’s wells broke last week. There has yet to be a timeline for when it will be operational again. The incident is the second consecutive year the city has had to deal with such an issue, according to the city’s website. A well that broke in August 2023 must be rebuilt, so it is also unusable. That means there is only one functioning well that provides water to the citizens of Montgomery.
What happens if it goes down?
Maryland jurisdictions consider transforming their wastewater into drinkable water
Facing a limited supply of drinking water, Carroll County’s Westminster, Maryland, plans to draw from a surprising source — its own sewage.
This winter, the city of 20,000 will begin constructing a new building at its wastewater treatment plant, where already-treated wastewater will be purified with an array of special membranes and UV light, and sent into the city’s drinking water reservoir — rather than discharged into a creek.
Named PUREWater Westminster, it would be Maryland’s first project to reuse wastewater for drinking water, an already common practice in water-poor parts of the United States, like the Southwest, that is spreading elsewhere as a changing climate and burgeoning development threaten the availability of water.
More to Explore
Water Conservation Tip
Texas Drought Monitor
SOURCE: National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Texas Water Calendar
Video: How can I save Water? “Kids Edition”
Introducing…Maggie Fae!
Innovative Water Solutions’ little shop corgi has been working hard for a few months now!
If you have dropped into the office you probably caught her sleeping on the job.
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