2008-09 Deliverables
Task 5 Extension
Principal Investigator(s): Bruce Lesikar
- Evaluate the potential for implementing Rainwater Harvesting demonstration sites in Bexar County.
- Finalize and print a fact sheet on water conservation addressing desalinization methods. Desalinization plants are operating in the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso to provide drinking water. An Extension publication would assist in providing information to the general public.
- Continue the implementation of the Rainwater Harvesting specialization of the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist program through development of educational resources and supporting travel by agents to the conference.
- Begin development of a rainwater harvesting training course for practitioners. Course materials will include a training manual, presentations, and evaluation. Topics will surround the use of harvested rainwater in the landscape. This course will provide the basis for conducting professional training of practitioners.
- Continue development of “Tap in to Rainwater Harvesting for In-home Use” training course. The training course provides training whereby the public can obtain an overview of selected case studies and an overview of the TCEQ recommended treatment procedures for using rainwater for indoor, potable and non-potable purposes. It is geared for those wanting to know TCEQ recommended design and installation techniques as well as water quality considerations.
- Work with Extension agents to implement water conservation/alternative water source demonstrations in their counties.
- Provide presentations on water conservation/alternative water sources for meeting landscape water needs at local and regional meetings.
- Develop presentation materials on rainwater harvesting for delivery through distance learning venues. The Earthkind environmental education program currently reaches Extension audiences discussing landscaping. This program may serve as a venue to deliver a segment on rainwater harvesting.