DIY Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
August 12, 2026 | By Shoal Creek Conservancy
On August 1st, Shoal Creek Conservancy hosted a DIY Rainwater Harvesting Workshop with three local presenters, two of whom are watershed residents! These presenters gave engaging and information-packed presentations to homeowners who are interested in creating their own rain collection systems. Each presenter spoke about a different DIY rainwater harvesting setup, including collecting rainwater in open stock tanks to support aquatic gardens, setting up large cisterns, and having extensive modular arrays of small barrels for collecting rainwater.
Take advantage of Austin Water’s rainwater harvesting rebate program to receive up to $5,000 towards installing your own rainwater harvesting system. Total rebate amounts are based on rainwater storage capacity. Eligible costs that this rebate supports include tanks, tank pads, screens, filters, first-flush systems, selected piping and labor. One of our workshop presenters received $1,000 in rebates ($1.00 per gallon of eligible capacity) to install four 250-gallon cisterns, which can each be connected to a transfer pump for watering gardens.
If you didn’t make it to the workshop but would like to learn more, our presenters have generously shared their presentations and resources:
- Rainwater Harvesting 101
- 1,000-gallon Rainwater Collection System using City of Austin rebates!
- Austin Water Rebates, Tools & Programs
- Austin Water Residential Rebate Details, Eligibility & Application
Happy Harvesting!
