Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster

“Don't pray for rain, if you can't take care of what you get.”

--  R.E. Dixon (1937) Superintendent, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Spur, Texas

As reported by American Rivers, development and excessive impervious paving in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding counties contributes to a yearly loss of rainwater infiltration ranging from 57 to 133 billion gallons. If managed on site, this rainwater -- which could support annual household needs of 1.5 to 3.6 million people -- would filter through the soil to recharge aquifers, and increase underground flows to replenish rivers, streams, and lakes.