RainDrop Harvesting Solutions receives TWDB-s Texas Rain Catcher Award

For immediate release. Contact: Media Relations at 512-463-5129

AUSTIN – (May 6, 2015) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) announced today the recipients of its annual Texas Rain Catcher Award, a rainwater harvesting competition and recognition program. RainDrop Harvesting Solutions won the award in the Educational category for its efforts to bring water conservation technologies to the Brazos Valley.

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.

RainDrop Harvesting Solutions was founded in 2013 by Kathie Hitt and Henry Luna. The two have a mutual passion for designing and building rainwater harvesting systems and sharing their knowledge with others. RainDrop Harvesting Solutions uses a mobile demonstration unit to spread the word about water conservation and rainwater harvesting in a fun and memorable way to kids and adults alike.

The demonstration uses an electric pump to recirculate rainwater through each component of a rainwater harvesting system. In addition, the demonstration features a tank coated in chalkboard paint that encourages children to write or draw on the tank as they learn about rainwater harvesting and water conservation. The portability of the demonstration has allowed Kathie and Henry to travel to schools and events throughout the Brazos Valley.

The Texas Rain Catcher Award competition began in 2007 and is open to all individuals, companies, organizations, municipalities, and other local and state governmental entities in Texas. It recognizes entities and individuals in the rainwater harvesting community and beyond and establishes award recipients as dedicated water conservation leaders in Texas. RainDrop Harvesting Solutions is one of five awardees being recognized statewide this year.

The TWDB is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional planning, and preparing the state water plan for the development of the state's water resources. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and agricultural water conservation projects.