Rainwater collection system under construction

Although it can be expensive, some locals have begun investing in large rainwater collection systems that collect hundreds of gallons of water.

Jim Miller is a Keep Wimberley Beautiful volunteer whose skills have enabled the organization to undertake many projects large and small. He is also responsible for coordinating the installation of a large rainwater collection system at the Martha Knies Park at the head of the downtown Cypress Creek Preserve trail.

“As I became more involved with the Wimberley park system, I spent time pondering on improvements,” Miller said. “The pavilion roof at MKCP was calling out to be used as a rainwater collection system. I approached the parks superintendent, the Watershed Association and The Meadows Center. I reached out to several rainwater collection contractors and irrigation specialists to get pricing for the project and made my proposal to the Wimberley Parks Board who granted permission for the collection of rainwater.”

“Keep Wimberley Beautiful had funds left over from contributions for the Martha Knies memorial that were earmarked for further improvements at the park which launched the project,” he continued explaining. “After reaching out to many sources, the contributors are: KWB for the lion’s share, Buck Baccus (a property owner next to the park who is also contributing his roof’s runoff to our collection tank), The Wimberley Garden Club and a Firefly grant from the Willet Foundation.”

According to Miller, construction is scheduled for this fall. When completed, the rainwater collection system will irrigate several plant beds in the park with room for expansion.