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Fredericksburg unveils 31,000‑gallon rainwater tank funded by LCRA grant and volunteer fire department
Summary
City leaders and volunteers showcased a nearly completed rainwater‑harvesting tank at a city warehouse funded largely by a $25,000 LCRA grant and $10,000 from the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department. The system will supply nonpotable water for fire apparatus maintenance and reduce demand on the city’s drinking water during drought.
Fredericksburg City officials and volunteers unveiled a nearly finished rainwater‑harvesting tank at a city warehouse that will store roughly 31,000 gallons of collected roof runoff.
The project was funded primarily by a $25,000 grant from LCRA and a $10,000 contribution from the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department, and was developed by local volunteers and city public‑works staff. "We were able to obtain a grant, an LCRA for $25,000, and the volunteer fire department graciously was able to also pay $10,000 to help with the funding," Brandon, the project presenter, told the council.
City staff said the single tank collects runoff from about 5,500 square feet of roof and will supply nonpotable water for fire apparatus, pumps and valves to reduce wear from using treated drinking water. "Having the clean rainwater in there will help with the pump systems and valves ... and also it will help us not be using our drinking water that we need since we're in a drought situation," Brandon said.
Jacob Smith, the local business owner who will service the system, was introduced during the presentation; staff said he started the harvesting business last year and will be available for maintenance.
Council members and attendees praised the local collaboration. Staff said this is an initial, pilot‑scale installation and that additional tanks and locations are under consideration; a sign noting LCRA’s grant placement will be installed near the tank per grant requirements.
The tank is described by staff as the city’s first dedicated rainwater‑harvesting pilot for municipal apparatus needs; further expansions would require additional grant applications and coordination with the community and potential nonprofit applicants.
No council action was required; the presentation was informational and staff said they will follow up with any needed maintenance agreements or site permits.
