The Current

Edition: December 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!

• Blog Post of the Month: How rainwater harvesting can help during severe weather
• FAQ Post of the Month: What is a “dry” rainwater system?
• Residential Project of the Month: Drainage Solutions for New Builds
• Commercial Project of the Month: Hutto Fire Protection Tank
• Water News Article #1: Austin water quality tests show minimal PFAS
• Water News Article #2:  San Joaquin Valley is sinking
• Water News Article #3: US researchers design water filtration based on Manta Rays
• Water Conservation Tip: Winter Conservation Tips
• Current Texas Drought Conditions
• Current Texas Water Calendar
• Video: Were the pyramids built with water?
• Service Tips

This newly built home in North Austin had an issue with the stormwater runoff pooling around the house due to the lack of slope on the property.  To combat that issue, we installed over 200 feet of underground PVC pipe to capture the stormwater runoff from the gutter downspouts and divert that water to a discharge point at the alleyway at the back of the property.  The water now is directed to an 12” by 12” drainage outlet basin.

Drainage concerns can be amplified during a re model, new build or planning stage.  Consider hiring a professional to perform an inspection to determine the best course of action during these times.

We recently completed the installation of this very beefy 225,602 gallon water tank for fire suppression in Hutto, Texas.

A fire protection tank is a water storage system designed to supply a reliable and readily available source of water for firefighting. These tanks are typically installed in areas where access to municipal water supplies is limited or insufficient to meet fire suppression needs. They provide water for fire sprinkler systems, hydrants, and other firefighting equipment, ensuring rapid response during emergencies. Fire protection tanks are commonly used in residential, commercial, industrial, and rural settings to enhance safety and comply with fire safety regulations.

Do you or your company need a water tank for fire suppression? Give us a call to discuss! 512-490-0932

Testing of Austin’s drinking water has revealed little to no detectable traces of “forever chemicals,” city officials announced Monday.

The year-long monitoring program, mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency, tested for 29 different per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Austin’s public drinking water system. The results showed PFAS levels were either undetectable or below upcoming EPA regulatory limits, requiring no additional treatment measures.
“This great news validates decades of work to protect and safeguard our water at its source,” said Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax. He credited the city’s environmental protections, including a ban on pollutant discharge in the Highland Lakes, for helping maintain water quality.

The testing, which began in October 2023, was part of the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. Six of the 29 PFAS chemicals tested will soon be subject to federal regulation.

New research from scientists at Stanford University shows that the San Joaquin Valley is sinking faster than ever due to excessive groundwater pumping.

Even though aquifers are plummeting and the ground is sinking, the situation is never static. Since the historic wet year of 2023, some localities have seen significant rebounds in groundwater levels, though not enough to permanently change the trajectory, experts warn.

Researchers brought together separate existing subsidence datasets from 2006 to 2022 to paint a more reliable picture of conditions in the valley.

“If you don’t accurately know what’s going on with the subsidence, then you won’t effectively be able to deal with it to fix the problem,” said Matthew Lees, lead author of the study.

RESEARCHERS in the US have developed a new water filtration design based on the feeding system in types of stingray.

The new design, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses a 3D-printed model of the plates that mobula rays use to feed on plankton. Mobula rays – the family of stingrays which includes manta rays and devil rays – inhale water as they swim, filtering out plankton to feed on. The excess water is then ejected out through its gills. Engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology were able to translate this system to filtering pollutants out of water.

In industrial water filtration systems, the critical trade-off is between the amount of water that can filter through versus how well it blocks specific pollutants. The MIT team found that manta rays strike a highly effective balance which allows enough water through to absorb oxygen while blocking sufficient plankton to feed on.

How Do I Conserve Water During the Winter?
Winter is coming, along with many potential plumbing problems. Often people only consider water conservation in the summer, but there are several things you can do to save water in the winter, too. Check out these winter water conservation tips:

Let your faucets drip overnight or when you are not home if the temperature is expected to be well below freezing. This might seem like a waste of water, but it will actually help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. A pipe burst will waste much more water.

Make sure your exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs are securely covered with pipe insulation. This will ensure that they won’t freeze or develop any leaks. It will also prevent the pipes from bursting. You can hire a professional to inspect your plumbing system and wrap your exposed pipes with insulation.

Collect water in a bucket to flush your toilets or water your plants. You can catch water from the dripping faucets mentioned above.

Check for leaks after any thaws. A change in temperature can cause pipes to expand and contract, which may lead to more leaks.

If a pipe bursts, turn off the water as soon as possible. Make sure you know exactly where your main water shut-off valve is located so that when an emergency strikes you can quickly save hundreds of gallons of water.

Purchase a tankless water heater and consider installing low-flow showerheads.

Maintain your furnace to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting and never allow the temperature in your home to go lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Always be on the lookout for leaks around your appliances.

Install a water monitoring system. These read the water meter and allow you to assess your water consumption down to the hour. They also give you leak alerts, which can be a great help in preventing pipe bursts.

Water conservation is a year-round job. Prepare your home for cold temperatures so all you have to worry about is your holiday party guest list.

Source: RotoRooter

SOURCE: National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

Now is the time to begin insulation of your outdoor pipes and thinking of winterization.

We have a handy guide we would be happy to email over to you.

Send a note to [email protected] to receive the tips.

Stay warm!  Stay safe!

As you gear up for the New Year, don’t forget to give your rainwater harvesting system and gutters some TLC.

A clean system is essential for high-quality water and efficient performance—and clean gutters play a big role in keeping your system running smoothly.

 Why schedule a tank, system, and gutter cleaning now?

• Tank Cleaning: Remove sediment and buildup to improve water quality.
• Gutter Cleaning: Clear out leaves and debris to ensure proper water flow and protect your roof.
• System Inspection: Identify and address potential issues before they become costly repairs.

By starting the year with a clean system, you’ll:

• Capture more rain with better flow and filtration.
• Protect your investment and extend the life of your setup.
• Enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is ready for the upcoming seasons.

 Kick off 2025 with a clean and efficient rainwater system!

Schedule a tank cleaning, gutter cleaning, and/or inspection with our expert team today.

BOOK BEFORE FEBRUARY 2025 and get $100 off! *valid for tanks 500 gallons or more*

email [email protected] or call 512-490-0932

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