Feb. 8 workshop in Edinburg will address system use, design and construction

By: Paul Schattenberg

EDINBURG – A one-day training workshop for landscape professionals interested in learning about systems for collecting and using rainwater will be held Feb. 8 at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office, 410 N.13th Ave. in Edinburg.

The program will take place from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with registration from 8:30-9 a.m.

“Program participants will learn about the planning, design and construction of different methods of collecting and treating rainwater for use on the landscape or in the home,” said Brent Clayton, AgriLife Extension program specialist-water resources in Corpus Christi.

Clayton said the workshop will address the benefits of rainwater harvesting, methods for improving stored-water quality, pumps and controls, the proper components and sizing of rainwater systems, treatment of harvested rainwater, and collection system maintenance.

“Attendees will receive extensive instruction on a variety of aspects relating to rainwater harvesting and will also receive the new comprehensive Texas AgriLife Extension Service rainwater harvesting manual,” he said.

The “Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning” manual is a 200-plus page guide to rainwater system planning, installation, operation and maintenance. It addresses systems for the distribution of captured water for landscapes, as well as for pests, wildlife, livestock and in-home use.

Registration is $125 before Feb. 7, and day-of registration is $150. To register, go to the Texas AgriLife Extension Conference Services website at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu and enter “rainwater” as the keyword, or call 979-845-2604.

For more information about the workshop, contact Clayton at 361-265-9203 or jbclayton@ag.tamu.edu.