Drip Irrigation and Rain Water Harvesting

Over 95 percent of the water irrigation methods used in Texas are spray based, and of those systems, about 92 percent are not properly maintained. In North Texas, given our susceptibility to drought, the need for an alternative to landscape watering becomes more compelling. The Texas AgrLlife Research and Extension Center offers a series of classes on water conservation demonstrating how easy it is for homeowners to set up their own drip irrigation and rain water harvesting system. During a two-hour class at the extension center, located at 17360 Coit Rd., Richardson, Texas, participants learn about the different types of available commercial tubing, the proper way to lay out an irrigation system to maximize water pressure and evenly distribute water in the covered area, along with different components needed for the system such as a backflow preventer, splitter, filter, pressure regulators, tubing adapters and tubing to set up one’s own system. The class outlines the steps needed to convert an existing sprinkler system into a drip system. In addition, Texas AgriLife offers classes on rain water harvesting. Every inch of rain falling on the roof of a 2,000 square foot home collects over 1,200 gallons of water. Harvesting this water with rain barrels connected to rain gutters makes practical sense. Participants of the class learn how to make a rain barrel and properly install a rain barrel harvesting system at home. Classes in drip irrigation and rain water harvesting are held at the Texas AgriLife Extension Center through the summer and fall. Registration is online at http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses. Although we enjoyed a relatively lush spring, North Texans realize how precious water is in our community. Water management practices through drip irrigation and rain water harvesting help reduce wasting our existing water supply from lakes and reservoirs in our watershed. The Sustainability Steward