{"id":3404,"date":"2017-03-16T20:00:21","date_gmt":"2017-03-17T01:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watercache.com\/blog\/?p=3404"},"modified":"2017-03-19T15:23:56","modified_gmt":"2017-03-19T20:23:56","slug":"hb173-texas-rainwater-installer-license-bill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.watercache.com\/blog\/2017\/03\/hb173-texas-rainwater-installer-license-bill","title":{"rendered":"2017 Texas Legislature: Rainwater System Installer License Bill – HB 173"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Rainwater harvesting is an essential strategy that will enable the State to meet our future water demands. It provides an immediately available alternative water source at no additional cost to the State. It also raises public awareness of the need for water conservation and promotes active participation by our citizens. Rainwater harvesting systems are very effective stormwater management tools as well that provide flood control and stormwater pollution abatement opportunities.<\/p>\n

While the benefits of rainwater harvesting are undeniable, they can only be realized through rainwater harvesting systems that have been constructed by installers that understand the intricacies of rainwater harvesting systems.  The main issue then becomes how these systems are implemented in our built environment.<\/p>\n

This is the intention of HB 173<\/a> which would establish a licensing program for any person or company who receives compensation to install rainwater harvesting systems.  This license would promote the professionalism of Rainwater Harvesting System Installers and ensure the safety of the public.  The bill is sponsored by Rep. Eddie Lucio III<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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What’s at Issue Here?<\/h3>\n

The issue is that the practice of rainwater harvesting has a perception problem.<\/p>\n

What do you think about when you hear “rainwater harvesting”?<\/p>\n

You think about this…<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

While rain barrels do harvest rain and allow anyone to start harvesting rainwater very simply, in reality, rainwater harvesting is so much more.<\/p>\n

This is rainwater harvesting…<\/p>\n

\"rainwater<\/a><\/p>\n

Rainwater harvesting systems are being relied on to supply drinking water for entire households.<\/p>\n

Rainwater harvesting is also this…<\/p>\n

\"rainwater<\/a><\/p>\n

These systems are also being relied on to supply the irrigation demand for commercial properties such as schools, municipal buildings, businesses, and office buildings.  These systems are very complex and intersect many different segments of the traditional building trades.<\/p>\n

Therefore, the need to ensure the public safety with these systems is vital.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While you can see the nice, large cisterns in the pictures above, what you don’t see is the various components that make up the rainwater harvesting system.  These components range from gutter systems, downspout piping, collection piping, inlet filtration systems, first-flush diversion systems, water level indication systems, pump systems, internal cistern controls that automate these systems, post-filtration and disinfection systems, and other ancillary components that complete these systems.<\/p>\n

HB 173 would ensure that licensed rainwater harvesting system installers would have the required specialized training and experience for the installation of the entire rainwater harvesting system as well as ensure that these professionals continue to learn through required CEUs.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Let’s Clear Up a Few Points Before We Go Further<\/h3>\n

This bill:<\/p>\n

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  1. Does NOT prohibit a homeowner from installing his\/her own system.  I repeat… it does NOT require a homeowner to obtain a license to install a rainwater harvesting system on their own house;<\/li>\n
  2. Does not prohibit individuals or companies installing systems under 500 gallons in capacity from charging for their services. Systems of this size or smaller are not practical to be used as a potable water source and are not deemed to be a threat to public health;<\/li>\n
  3. Will ensure the safety of the public since rainwater harvesting systems will continue to provide future water supplies for the State of Texas;<\/li>\n
  4. Will validate the profession, promote water conservation, and create economic growth in the State of Texas;<\/li>\n
  5. Will firmly establish the State of Texas as the leader in promoting rainwater harvesting and water conservation, and;<\/li>\n
  6. Will seamlessly transition to professional programs that are already in place.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Only Water Professional That Doesn’t Require a License?<\/h3>\n

    Rainwater harvesting system installation for compensation is the only water supply trade that does not require a license in the State of Texas. Nearly every other professional that interacts with water in Texas that could come in contact with the public already has a license requirement.  Currently, the following water professions in the State of Texas require licenses to render their services for compensation:
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