Thornton residence receives the Texas Water Development Board’s Texas Rain Catcher Award

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

AUSTIN – (September 23, 2021) – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) announced today the recipients of its annual Texas Rain Catcher Award, a rainwater harvesting competition and recognition program. The Thornton residence was recognized in the residential 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 critical water-saving practice.

The Thornton residence in Tarrant County uses captured rainwater as a natural, clean-water source for bird baths and irrigation for flower beds, trees, potted plants, and turf rather than relying on their in-ground irrigation system. The system has eliminated flooding, erosion, and standing water that existed in the area prior to installing the rain barrels.

The rainwater collection system at the residence consists of 11 interconnected 55-gallon barrels. Splitters or spigots connect the barrels to allow for easy opening and closing and to continually fill the barrels down the line. Should the barrels reach capacity, the overflow is directed to a compost area. Finally, they have installed a release hose partway down the line to allow for emptying certain barrels without interfering in the flow of water to other barrels.

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. The Thornton residence is one of four awardees being recognized statewide this year.

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