ARCSA News Archive
2008
June 2008: LEED Requests Public Comments; Green Organizations Seeking RWH Assistance; RWH & Members in the News
Eco-Home Network, a California non-profit that runs an environmental demonstration home, is seeking assistance with creating and installing a rainwater harvesting demonstration on an L.A. residential site of public interest. For more information, contact Director .
An Arizona organization, One World One Chance, is seeking assistance with a rainwater harvesting display, one of many interactive, educational exhibits to be included in their new green store opening later this summer. For more information, contact Director at (520) 603-5172.
Southern California issues water alert, reports BlueRidgeNow.com.
Texas Governor's Mansion may go green following recent fire, says Texas Politics.
Low Impact Living is sponsoring a Green Home Contest. Entry deadline is July 15.
Montgomery County building rainwater harvesting demo project, reports the Houston Chronicle.
The USGBC is requesting public comments on the proposed draft LEED 2009 Rating System (formerly known as LEED V3).
Episode of DIY Network's show "Desperate Landscapes" features green yard that includes rain barrel from ARCSA member Barry Chenkin's Aquabarrel.
ARCSA member Cheryl Stasinowsky brings lessons learned in Australia to South Carolina, reports the Fort Mill Times.
ARCSA members promote RWH in Georgia, says Lakefront Hartwell.
Get water wise by collecting rainwater, says Green Right Now.
Springville Journal reports on lessons learned at the Georgia workshop.
Tips on capturing rainwater from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Santa Cruz resident advocates rainwater, reports The Mercury News.
ARCSA members Jack Schultz and Greg Whitfield offer tips for getting started with RWH, reports Green Right Now.
Water conservation solutions in Molokai, from The Molokai Times.
Recording studio goes green, reports AJC.
Vero Beach gets green middle school, reports Green Unlimited.
ARCSA members are among the many leading the charge for rainwater capture in Arizona, reports The Arizona Daily Star.
Texas blogger installs rain tank for a veggie garden.
Low Impact Living reviews ARCSA member Jim Harrington's rainwater pillow.
TBS features RWH as part of rooftop decor on their "Movie and a Makeover' segment, including ARCSA member Steve Williams' Rain Saver site.
May 2008: RWH & Members in the News
RWH goes back to the future, according to the Modesto Bee.
ARCSA members Rob Lenney & Doug Pushard promote RWH at the Aurburn Home Show, reports the Sacramento Bee.
Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District promotes conservation in Virginia with a rain barrel program, says WTOP News.
The National Association of Realtors announces winners of the "Schools of the Future" contest, including several that use rainwater harvesting.
ARCSA Member Jim Ryan recognized for sustainable water initatives in Costa Rica by WC&P Magazine.
April 2008: Legislative Developments in Texas; RWH & Members in the News
Texas A&M University models conservation and sustainability, including rainwater collection, says Media Newswire.
RWH makes a comeback in Lancaster County with the help of ARCSA member Michael Stark, says LancasterOnline.
Drought, water conservation efforts result in water rate increases in the southeastern U.S., says USA Today.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Several of the projects incorporate rainwater harvesting. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition in Boston.
RWH catching on in Canada, says Harvest H2O.
Boerne ISD leads the way in water conservation, says MySanAntonio.
Dayton, Ohio townhouses will have RWH systems, says For the Love of Dayton.
ARCSA member Brad Lancaster discusses RWH to kickoff sustainability festival, reports the Asheville Citizen-Times.
University of Georgia gets giant cistern, says OnlineAthens.
Oregon home runs almost entirely on rainwater, reports EcoSpace.
ARCSA's Billy Kniffen appointed TAES' first water resource specialist dedicated to RWH, says AgNews.
The Sundance Channel is airing a "Water" episode as part of their series "Big Ideas for a Small Planet." Our own preseident Tim Pope was involved with this program. Check it out this month!
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's pending proposal on "Standards for Rainwater Harvesting" will be considered on April 16. This is part of the rulemaking process after legislation was passed in 2007 to limit rainwater to non-potable use if the individuals using it are also connected to a public water supply system. Details on the proposed rules can be found in the executive summary. The rules are expected to be published in the Texas Register in early May, followed by a public hearing on May 29
The Texas Senate Committee on Government Organization holds a hearing on Thursday, 4-24, in Austin to consider whether the state "should adopt high performance building standards" as a way to "make more efficient use of natural resources," including water.
March 2008: Water-Wise Awards; TWDB Solicits SOQs for Research Grants; Accreditation Course; RWH in the News
TCEQ proposes rule changes dealing with RWH systems that connect to public water supply systems; public hearing to be held May 29.
Hawaiian Senate promotes RWH with a Concurrent Resolution.
Dallas area residents can submit their landscapes for the 2008 Water-Wise Landscape Recognition Awards.
The Texas Water Development Board is soliciting Statements of Qualifications for Water Research Study Priority Topics, including the effect of roof material on water quality for rainwater harvesting systems. SOQs are due April 23, 2008.
The first two 2008 dates have been set for ARCSA's accreditation course; visit link for more details.
Harvest H20 features an innovative idea for using captured rainwater, as well as an ARCSA member and an "extreme" conservationist.
February 2008: ARCSA Offers Online Membership Option; RWH in the News
UT-Arlington launches sustainability website.
Water-saving rules for new homes in the Albuquerque area include RCS, says U.S. Water News.
ARCSA member organization takes Austin couple on a green building journey to include RWH, says Austin American-Statesman.
Colorado senators advocate RWH, says U.S. Water News.
ARCSA is now offering an online option for memberships and renewals, allowing users to submit their information and credit card payment securely online. This option is offered as an alternative to downloading and submitting the membership form via e-mail, mail, or fax.
January 2008: ARCSA Launches New Website; Save the Date for ARCSA 2008 Conference; TWDB Summit; Members in the News
Tucson school with RWH named greenest school in America, says americancity.org.
Save the date for ARCSA's 2008 annual conference, to be held September 15-18 in Santa Monica, California. Watch this site for more details, including a call for abstracts.
ARCSA members presented at the Asian Water Summit in January READ MORE
ARCSA members presented at the TWDB's Texas Water Summit in December READ MORE
ARCSA member Brad Lancaster was featured on NPR this month.
ARCSA's newly redesigned website was launched Jan. 18 at www.arcsa.org. Members, watch your e-mail for login information for the new site.
A small farm makes plans for RWH in 2008; Georgians use RWH to cope with drought.
2007
December 2007: ARCSA Bylaws Revisions; Rainwater Harvesting in the News
Proposed subdivision to rely on rainwater, says MySanAntonio.com.
The ARCSA Board has approved changes to the association’s bylaws. These changes are designed to clarify policy matters and make the association more efficient as it grows. The membership now must ratify those changes in order for them to take effect.
The revised bylaws (and the existing bylaws) are posted to the “Members Only” section of this website under publications.
On Tuesday, Dec. 18, please send an e-mail to info@arcsa.org indicating whether you approve the changes or disapprove the changes. (Current bylaws require 2 weeks’ advance notice.)
You may also fax your vote to 512-477-9490 or mail it to 919 Congress Ave., Suite 460, Austin, TX 78701.
The Board will assume proxies for members NOT participating in the voting, unless the nonvoting member returns the attached denial of proxy form by Dec. 18.
November 2007: Accreditation Course & Texas Chapter Formation; Rainwater Harvesting in the News
Applications are now being accepted for the second ARCSA Accreditation Course. The field workshop for the course will be held Saturday, December 1, in Georgetown, Texas. The workshop is held in conjunction with an organizational meeting for the new Texas Chapter of ARCSA. The workshop and meeting will take place at the Williamson County Extension Office, 3151 Innerloop Rd. Ste A, Georgetown, Texas. The schedule is as follows:
9 - 11 a.m. - ARCSA Accreditation Course (first half)
11 a.m. - noon - Texas Chapter Organizational Meeting
Noon - 12:30 p.m. lunch and tour facilities
12:30 - 2 p.m. - (or as needed) -continue- Texas Chapter Organizational Meeting
2 - 4 p.m. - ARCSA Accreditation Course (second half)
To register for the Accreditation Course, which includes the Georgetown workshop, fill out the course application form, and return with the appropriate fees (note that ARCSA membership is required to participate in the course). If you wish to attend the workshop, but do not want to enroll in the Accreditation Course, please fill out the workshop registration form [link to form], and return with the $30 fee (ARCSA membership optional). There is no fee to attend only the Texas Chapter organizational meeting; simply RSVP to Billy Kniffen or Carolyn Hall so you will be included in the count for lunch.
If you have questions about the Accreditation Course or workshop registration, please contact the ARCSA office at 512-477-5445 or e-mail us. For questions about the Texas Chapter, organizational meeting, lunch, or directions, contact Billy Kniffen.
Potential spring 2008 workshops include Atlanta and the Pacific Northwest; more information to be posted as details are finalized.
Rainwater Harvesting in Central Texas profiled in The Good Life magazine .
October 2007: ARCSA Now Accepting Credit Cards; TWDB Announces Rain Catcher Award; Upcoming Events
ARCSA is now accepting credit card payments for membership dues.
The Texas Water Development Board announces the Texas Rain Catcher Award, a rainwater harvesting competition and recognition program from October 1, 2007, to promote the technology, educate the public, and to recognize excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems in Texas. For more info, check out the TWDB’s site.
The 13th Water Conservation/Xeriscape Conference is February 12-14, 2008, in New Mexico.
Mr. Max Ekins from Davey Water Products, Australia will be presenting a seminar about their RWH equipment on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 3 pm, in Room 465A at the Texas Water Development Board in Austin, Texas. All those interested are welcome to attend.
September 2007: Rainwater Harvesting in the News
“An evening of rainwater catchment,” Hawaii Tribune Herald, Sept. 2, 2007.
ARCSA member Billy Kniffen featured in summer issue of Rural Life magazine.
August 2007: Rainwater Harvesting in the News
Homeowners gather to learn about rainwater harvesting, KTEN, August 27, 2007.
July 2007: Rainwater Harvesting in the News
Victoria residents embracing green living, including rainwater harvesting, says Victoria Advocate, July 22, 2007.
Rainwater harvesting taking hold in North Texas, says Dallas Morning News, July 19, 2007. Read the full article: “Roll out the barrels.”
Rainwater collection big in Bisbee, says Sierra Vista Herald, July 8, 2007. Read the full article: “Bring in the Harvest.”
New Texas subdivision to rely on rainwater, says Science Daily.
May 2007: Accreditation Exam Applications Now Available
Applications are now available for the ARCSA accreditation exam, which is being offered for the first time in conjunction with ARCSA’s 2007 Conference in Hawaii. For more information or to obtain an application, please e-mail us, or call 512-477-5445. Learn more about the accreditation process.
Texas Cooperation Extension Publishes “Rainwater Harvesting: Landscape Methods.” View the Texas Cooperation Extension’s four-page booklet on “Rainwater Harvesting: Landscape Methods,” which explains how rainwater harvesting landscape methods can save consumers money, reduce potable water demand, use water efficiently, and reduce flooding, erosion and surface water contamination.
April 2007: Update on the 2007 ARCSA Conference, August 15–17, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Keynote speaker, secured by the efforts of conference organizer Trisha Macomber, is Andy Lipkis, founder of the nonprofit environmental organization, TreePeople. This 30-year-old organization, the pre-eminent force in the urban forestry movement, has planted and maintained more than 1.5 million trees in the Los Angeles area and pioneered more than 200 tree-planting groups worldwide. The organization also promotes integrated water management practices through education, planting projects, policy development, and research.
Papers from authors from five continents are in review. Topics are diverse: the search of one homeowner for a water supply when groundwater ceased to be an option, implementation of rainwater harvesting projects and monitoring to improve the lives and health of persons in developing countries, financial incentives for rainwater harvesting, refurbishment of an historic decommissioned power station into a mixed-use civic facility using rainwater for landscaping, soil storage of harvested rainwater, quality of harvested rainwater for potable use, decentralized rainwater harvesting for stormwater abatement, and beneficial capture and use of stormwater.
Kilauea Military Camp, the conference venue, itself harvests rainwater. The tour will include a guided tour of nearby Volcano Village. The entire village—even the post office!—is on catchment. There will also be a walking tour of the rainwater catchment components of Kilauea Military Camp, the conference venue.
The conference promises not only be a nexus for dissemination of information, but also a convivial and fun time for meeting and sharing with persons with all manner of interest in rainwater harvesting.
March 2007: Rainwater Harvesting System Showcased on This Old House
PBS’ This Old House will showcase the innovatively designed rainwater harvesting system of an Austin, Texas, project house during the week of March 12-18, 2007 on local PBS stations. Click here for for information about the house [link to: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/house-project/overview/0,,1546552,00.html].
February 2007: Rainwater Harvesting Evaluation Committee Recommendations
Download the PDF an article written by Dr. Hari Krishna in TWDB’s Water for Texas newsletter, Winter 2007.
October 2004 ARCSA Letter to Members
ARCSA 2003 Conference Write Up
ARCSA Fall 2002 Meeting
The Fall 2002 ARCSA meeting was held on Friday, October 11, 2002 at 1:30 pm at the Texas Water Development Board, Austin, Texas. Two presentations were given at the meeting: William de Herrera spoke on the cash rebates and incentives being provided by the City of Austin for Rainwater Harvesting, and Peter Pfeiffer, architect, discussed rainwater harvesting designs and systems.
ARCSA Spring 2002 Meeting
The ARCSA Spring meeting was held at the Texas Water Development Board on Friday, April 19, 2002 from 2-4 pm. A tour of local RWH facilities was organized the next day in cooperation with the City of Austin.
Rainwater harvesting equipment tax relief
Senate Bill 2 passed by the Texas Legislature in 2001 provided tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting equipment or supplies, water recycling equipment or supplies, and other equipment or supplies used to reduce or eliminate water use.
ARCSA Fall 2001 Meeting
Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, A Success
The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), and other agencies co-sponsored a one-day Rainwater Harvesting Workshop at the San Marcos Activity Center on May 17, 2001. It was attended by over 100 people including county commissioners, a mayor, staff representing various local agencies, Rainwater Harvesting contractors and suppliers, and other interested individuals. Dr. Hari Krishna, ARCSA president and senior engineer, TWDB presented an overview of Rainwater Harvesting Systems, followed by other speakers.
Hays County Commissioner Bill Burnett was the keynote speaker at the luncheon. Hays County became the first county in the nation last year to provide a Rainwater Collection Incentive Program by offering a $100 development fee rebate and a property tax exemption of 100 percent of the cost of the installed rainwater harvesting equipment.
A panel discussion was held which included homeowners, suppliers and contractors with rainwater harvesting experience. After the workshop, a tour was arranged to visit a San Marcos home that’s sole source of water supply is harvested rainwater. The homeowner collects water from a pole barn at the rear of the house into two 20,000 gallon cisterns. The water is pumped to the house and used after filtration and purification. The RWH workshop in San Marcos was well-attended, and requests have been received to hold similar workshops or seminars at other locations.