Seminar to focus on benefits of rainwater harvesting

Conservation-minded residents can learn how to capture and use rainwater for residential and rural landscaping uses during a seminar this Saturday at the home of Sara SoRelle in Clarendon.

The educational rainwater harvesting seminar, complete with a hands-on installation demonstration, is being hosted by SoRelle along with Donley County AgriLife Extension Service, Greenbelt Water Authority, and the City of Clarendon.

“The hands-on installation demonstration will be led by the world-renowned rainwater harvesting expert, Billy Kniffen, who has presented this topic at several locations across the United States,” said Extension Agent Leonard Haynes. Kniffen is the AgriLife Extension state rainwater harvesting specialist.

The seminar will begin with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the home of Sara SoRelle, 507 W. 5th Street. Following the hands-on portion, a meal will be provided along with an educational program at the Donley County Activity Center, 4437 N. State Highway 70. The program will end around 3 p.m., Haynes said.

Alanreed rancher Delbert Trew is also going to be on hand to talk about his own experience with rainwater harvesting.

There will be a $10 registration fee per person. Checks should be made payable to Donley County Texas AgriLife Extension and mailed to Box 682, Clarendon, Texas 79226. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by July 25 to the AgriLife Extension office in Donley County at 806-874-2141 or 806-282-7680, Haynes said. Call the same numbers for more information or directions.

“Not only has the Greenbelt Water Authority identified depletion of water resources as a major concern, but the Texas water-supply planning process has identified that surface and groundwater supplies will not be able to meet future water demand,” Haynes said.

Water conservation and development of alternative water supplies is necessary to meet the growing demand for fresh water, according to Kniffen.

Rainwater harvesting is an innovative alternative water supply approach anyone can use. Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts, and stores rainwater for later use.

Captured rainwater is ideal for use in landscaping, because the water is free of salts, minerals and chlorine and it adds water back into the ground and aquifer, Kniffen said. It is also useful in attracting and providing water for birds, wildlife and livestock and brought into the home for non-potable or potable use.

Implementing rainwater harvesting techniques directly benefits local communities by reducing demand on water supplies, and reducing run-off, erosion and contamination of surface water, he said.

Capturing rainwater for use in the landscape makes efficient use of a valuable resource, reduces water bills and reduces demand on the water supply.