We can all do our little part to help with the flood situation in the Houston Area.
1. rain water harvesting is inexpensive and good for the environment. capturing and
harvesting 100-500 gallons would help with flooded streets. with my water cisterns water fountains, swimming pool I gather over a thousand gallons of water every heavy rain. multiply that by thousands of homes in harris county we could remove millions of gallons of water each heavy rain.
2. make sure your grass is healthy and thick. healthy grass absorbs vast amounts of
rain water. try not to cut your grass to low. high thick grass absorb more water than
thin low grass.
3. if you live near a water drainage line or ditch make sure the line and ditch are clear
of debris. clogged drainage lines tend to back up during heavy rains. also try to keep your curb clear of leaves and branches. these can be washed into the rain gutters and clog them up.
4. plant a garden in your back yard. gardens not only absorb rain water but they also
give off oxygen and take in carbon dioxide.
5. plant a tree or trees. there are countless school yards, esplanades, bayous and culdesacs that do not have any trees. plant trees wherever possible. trees absorb water and provide shade and produce oxygen.
6. encourage your civic association, home owners association, city or county government to build swales wherever possible and plant water absorbing plants in the swales. swales can retain large amounts of rain water and allow for slow absorption.
by planting water absorbing vegetation the plants absorb the rain water and provide oxygen and take in carbon dioxide.
Happy Rain Water Harvesting.
