The rainwater harvesting system at the Austin ISD Reilly Elementary School has received a 2022 Rain Catcher Award from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for the Educational category.
The TWDB’s Texas Rain Catcher Award recognizes excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems in Texas, promotes rainwater harvesting technology, and educates the public on this important water-saving practice.
About the Rainwater Harvesting System
Innovative Water Solutions LLC installed the rainwater harvesting systems for the Reilly Elementary School project. The projects uses 12 cisterns of various sizes and materials, along with five rain gardens, to capture rainwater from 76,627 square feet of rooftops and parking lots. The system reduces runoff from the site by an estimated 621,785 gallons per year, with much of it infiltrating back into the ground. The project further demonstrates to students and the public how a combination of rainwater harvesting and rain gardens can be used as an auxiliary water source to beautify the landscape, reduce common erosion problems, and provide continued learning opportunities. Additionally, the site allows people to see, touch, and evaluate the different practices and approaches that accomplish the goals of green infrastructure and rainwater harvesting. You can download the school’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Map.
Green Infrastructure System In Action
The image below shows the rainwater harvesting systems and green infrastructure system working together. This picture was taken soon after the rain event. The rainwater tank in the picture filled up completely and then overflowed, sending stormwater to the rain garden. In addition, the rain garden also captured stormwater runoff from the local parking area.