The Current
Edition: March 2026
The Current is the monthly newsletter of Innovative Water Solutions where we highlight the great stuff happening at our company and also bring you up-to-date with some of the current water news that could affect you. We hope you enjoy the newsletter!
Table of Contents
- Spring re-cap – IWS in the community
- Blog Post of the Month: J. David Bamberger
- FAQ Post of the Month: Green by Design workshops presented by Austin Energy
- Residential Project of the Month: Drainage Swale
- Commercial Project of the Month: Storm-water Detention Pond make-over
- Water News Article #1: Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Fines Aqua Texas 70K for Drought Violations
- Water News Article #2 Rainwater Catchment Systems: Optimizing Water Conservation on the Homestead and Beyond
- Water News Article #3: Texas Regulators to Begin Asking Regulators to Start Reporting Their Water Usage
- Water Conservation Tip: Mulch plants and use drip irrigation as the weather gets hotter
- Current Texas Drought Conditions
- Current Texas Water Calendar
- Video: San Marcos River Foundation’s plea for help
- Service Tips
- “Water is life, and clean water means health.” — Audrey Hepburn
IWS in the Community
Spring is springing – and we have been enjoying the spring weather at many community events, meeting customers and promoting rainwater to anyone who wants to learn about this practical water conservation method!
We met with residents at the Sunset Valley Public Works Open House who want to connect with city rebate programs – including rainwater and water conservation rebates at large! Interested in finding out more about rebates and how you can benefit financially for implementing rainwater in your house plans? Read our blog on the green by design workshops and register to attend one!
The Community Gardens in Bastrop’s Home and Garden show was a hit! Ever wondered how big a 1000 gallon tank is? You can see for yourself at the Community Gardens! Shoppers strolling the event were able to see a functional rainwater harvesting system on display – installed by IWS! If you are interested in purchasing a system for garden or pool use, check out our raincache kits!
The 2026 Pioneer Water Tank’s Dealer Conference in Round Mountain was a great chance to learn the latest developments in the water tank industry. We are proud to be part of their dealer’s network! Read more about why Pioneer tanks are a great option for rainwater storage!
Another upcoming community event you surely won’t want to miss is the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association technical symposium in Brookshire, Texas this May 20-21 – register to attend to connect with rainwater officials and get the latest on stormwater legislation.
Blog Post of the Month
J. David Bamberger: June 11, 1928 – January 17, 2026
On January 17, 2026, we lost one of Texas’ great conservation voices. J. David Bamberger, the founder of Selah, the Bamberger Ranch Preserve, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He [...]
The Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting in an Urban Environment?
Blog Post Date
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FAQ Post of the Month
Green By Design Workshops presented by Austin Energy
Interested in buying, building, or remodeling a sustainable home? The Green By Design workshops return this spring! Green By Design is a free workshop series presented by the Austin Energy Green [...]
Residential Project of the Month
A client called us looking for help managing stormwater from neighboring properties with higher elevations. To solve her issue, we installed a swale around the perimeter of the backyard to divert runoff. A job well done, the swale is covered with landscape fabric and rock and blends seamlessly with her landscaping as a decorative border!
Commercial Project of the Month
Montecito Apartment’s stormwater detention pond got a makeover courtesy of IWS! Over time the system was overgrown and clogged with grass and debris. We removed the growth from important drainage areas, replacing it with rock or concrete for easier maintenance. The first floor residents can breath easy knowing their apartments stormwater system is draining properly now!
Water News You Can Use
Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Fines Aqua Texas 70k for Drought Violations
A central Texas water utility is facing more than $70,000 in fines after regulators said it repeatedly exceeded groundwater pumping limits during a declared drought.
Rainwater Catchment Systems: Optimizing Water Conservation on the Homestead and Beyond
For Blake West and Chris Maxwell-Gaines, rainwater catchment is a livelihood, having founded Innovative Water Solutions in Austin, Texas, in 2004.
Texas Regulators to Begin Asking Regulators to Start Reporting Their Water Usage
Utility regulators in Texas will start asking data centers and crypto-mining operations statewide within a narrow timeframe to share information about how much water they’re using.
More to Explore
Water Conservation Tip
Temperatures are already soaring in central Texas. And as the temperatures climb, our plants get thirstier! Mulch around trees, shrubs, bushes and even your veggie garden to limit water evaporation, ultimately reducing your water bill and footprint.
Texas Drought Monitor
SOURCE: National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Texas Water Calendar
Local Business of the Month
The Community Gardens in Bastrop is more than just a nursery – it’s a community center, where various local businesses can display their services and wares. Where else can you get your back adjusted by a chiropractor before enjoying a tasty tex-mex lunch, and then browse the variety of plants, vegetables, and even rain tanks!? You can easily spend all day at the gardens. Check out their website for the latest family-fun events!
Service Tips
With the Live Oaks dropping leaves like crazy, it’s time for you to get a gutter cleaning! Our sister company Advanced Rain Gutter Systems offer free estimates for “cleaning and screening” of gutters which will prevent the build-up of leaves inside your gutters and potential clogs. Book your free estimate today!
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