New Braunfels Utilities

  • View of the cistern at the utility headquarters.
  • A successful do-it-yourself rain barrel class.
  • This system was featured in the utility's annual calendar.
  • Receiving the award at the board meeting.

Overview

  • Category: Governmental
  • Organization Location: New Braunfels, Texas
  • Activity: Installed a collection system at the utility headquarters and engage customers through hands-on educational programs.

Background:

New Braunfels Utilities developed a multipronged approach to raise awareness about rainwater harvesting. At their headquarters, five 15,000-gallon metal tanks collect rainwater to supply the drip irrigation system. Customers, students, and numerous other visitors learn about water conservation and local varieties of drought tolerant plants from educational signage posted throughout the landscape which is also a certified wildlife habitat.

Utility staff also lead educational programs for civic groups, local businesses, and schools where attendees learn about rainwater harvesting fundamentals, how to construct a rain barrel on a budget, and about rebates and incentives offered locally. In addition, New Braunfels Utilities incorporated rainwater harvesting into their annual Drought Tolerant Landscape Calendar Contest to recognize commercial and residential customers’ efforts and showcase their systems in the calendar which is distributed to all customers annually.

2016 winners:

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