Decode the code: How to save water with rainwater harvesting
What we wouldn’t give for a big rain storm in Fort Worth. | Video via Giphy
It’s not news that it’s been a hot, dry summer. DFW has seen a meager 1.25 inches of rain in the last two months and the sun has scorched lawns across the city. We’re here to decode the city’s guidelines about rainwater harvesting and help you capitalize on the scarce resource, not to mention save money on your water bill.
What’s rainwater harvesting?
Building a rainwater harvesting system is an easy way to provide non-potable water for your plants. The best part: After some small start-up costs, it’s free — and we love free.
The system collects water off non-permeable surfaces like your roof and funnels it into a storage chamber like a rain barrel or cistern to be used when rain isn’t in the forecast — i.e. this summer. A general rule of thumb: One inch of rain produces about a half gallon for every square foot of roof.
What’s wrong with using my sprinkler?
Nothing, as long as your sprinkler is functioning properly and you’re following local regulations. Fort Worth has year-round watering requirements that limit irritation system and sprinkler use to twice per week.
If you live within city limits, the water pumped through your sprinkler system is filtered drinking water + uninformed watering practices can put a strain on the water supply and drive up your bill.
Meanwhile, Texas Tax Code allows property tax exemptions for conservation initiatives like rainwater harvesting systems, and Texas Property Code protects them in residential zones.
How do I get started?
The Tarrant Regional Water District offers discounted rain barrels and hosts free online classes to teach you how to capture the most water. Register now for the next event on Saturday, Sept. 23.
Save Tarrant Water also provides resources like tips for saving money, weekly watering advice, and connecting with green professionals.
Events
Monday, Aug. 14
Gymnastics Open Gym | Monday, Aug. 14 | 7 p.m. | Southwest Community Center, 6300 Welch Ave., Fort Worth | $50 | Kids ages 5-18 are invited to try out their skills in a supervised program.
Texas Rangers | Monday, Aug. 14-Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 7 p.m. | Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington | $9-$547 | Watch the Rangers take on the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
“Lives of the Gods” | Tuesday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Sept. 3 | Times vary | Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | $14-$18 | Explore the divinity of Mayan art at this exhibition of nearly 100 rarely seen masterpieces and discoveries — members get in free.
Taco Tuesday | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 4-7 p.m. | Toro Toro, 200 Main St., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | Treat yourself to $3 street tacos and a $5 house margarita.
Wednesday, Aug. 16
Good Grounds Book Club | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Woodland West Branch Library, 2837 W. Park Row Dr., Arlington | Grab a cup of coffee and chat with fellow book lovers at this “choose your own book” discussion group.
Karaoke Night | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 8 p.m.-2 a.m. | Studio 80, 500 Taylor St., Fort Worth | Free | Grab a $3 drink special and take the stage.
Thursday, Aug. 17
State of the County 2023 | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 12-1 p.m. | Fort Worth Convention Center, 1201 Houston St., Fort Worth | $105-$150 | Judge Tim O’Hare will discuss property taxes and plans for creating a desirable environment for businesses to operate and expand.
817 Celebration | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | $15-$65 | Jam out to Texas artists including Roger Creager and Abraham Alexander.
USMD Fort Worth Clearfork Clinic is planning to shut down its medical oncology, rheumatology, and general surgery departments according to a WellMed Medical Management spokesperson. The imaging, primary care, urology, and cardiology departments will remain open. Stay tuned for updates on the closing schedule and staff, provider + patient information. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Open
Little Lilly Sushi expanded to Keller last week. The neighborhood sushi bar’s original location opened off Camp Bowie Boulevard in 2012 and is now serving Japanese cuisine and creations north of town at 1004 Keller Pkwy.
Development
A 238,000-sqft industrial project is scheduled to break ground in far southeast Fort Worth this month. A joint venture between real estate company Newmark and Dallas-based Falcon Commercial Development, the 18-acre project at 4851 E. Loop 820 is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024.
Closing
Northside eatery Amy’s Restaurant will close its current location at 1537 N. Main St. on Sunday, Aug. 20. The Mexican restaurant had its lease unexpectedly terminated after 16 years but plans to reopen later this year. We’ll update you when we have an official location.
Biz
Apply for the second annual EmpowHERment Pitch Competition for a chance to win $15,000. Hosted by Eosera Inc., the competition helps female entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Applications close Monday, Sept. 18, and the finalists will pitch live during Global Entrepreneurship Week on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Theater
Popular outdoor venue Hip Pocket Theatre is moving its performances inside after nearly 50 years due to this summer’s extreme heat. Head to the Community Arts Center Friday-Sunday at 9 p.m. to catch the last weekend of “White Elephant,” a stage featuring poetic vignettes about animals. Get tickets.
Ranked
Students are moving in this week to the second-best university campus in the state. TCU ranked No. 2 on Niche’s 2023 list of best college campuses in Texas. Houston’s Rice University topped the list and Dallas’ SMU came in third.
Number
150,000. That’s how many room bookings Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center already has. The $550 million resort — featuring 888 rooms, five restaurants + a two-pool beach club — is set to open next to Globe Life Field in February. (Bisnow)
Watch
Ready for a sneak peek of local creator Taylor Sheridan’s newest show? Last week, Paramount+ released a trailer for “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” the US marshall who inspired the Lone Ranger legend. The eight-episode season was filmed around Fort Worth and will stream this fall.
Shop
Last chance: MANSCAPED’s annual Summer Sale ends in just two days. Now’s your chance to take advantage of 20% off + free shipping site-wide to save big on their best-selling electric trimmers, premium grooming kits, and UltraPremium formulations. Activate your discount.*
Food
🥪 Nom, nom, nom
National Sandwich Month: It’s time to chowdown, Cowtown
Did you know August is National Sandwich Month? Last week, we asked our readers to share their favorite Fort Worth sammies and where to order them. We can’t wait for lunch because we’ve got a hankering for a handheld meal.
Carshon’s Delicatessen | Southside
Reader Kathryn K. recommends the Rebecca — corned beef, turkey, Swiss, cole slaw, and Russian dressing on rye bread — with a crunchy pickle. Reader Daniel E. recommends an egg salad sandwich with a cold Dr. Brown’s root beer and a side of macaroni salad.
The Great Outdoors | Multiple locations
Reader Andra B. orders a turkey pastrami sub and a salty handful of Lays Original potato chips.
Weinberger’s Deli | Grapevine
Reader Alicia B. says to head east of town for a California club sammy with bacon on toasted gluten-free bread.
Local Foods Kitchen | Tanglewood
Another reader suggested we stop in for a tuna sandwich with a side of Tex-Mex crunch salad.
Happy first day of school to all the students and teachers out there. We hope you have a wonderful day full of fresh crayons, spiffy outfits, and new secret handshakes with your best buds.
If you’d like to send us your first day of school photos, we’ll share them — and maybe some throwback shots of your favorite City Editors — later this week to celebrate the start of a new season.
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