The Current
Edition: May 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
- ARCSA Symposium Recap
- Blog Post of the Month: Best Practices for Surface Drainage Issues
- FAQ Post of the Month: How do French Drains Work?
- Residential Project of the Month: Regrading for client in Central Austin
- Commercial Project of the Month: Persimmon Neighborhood 178,155 gallon Rainwater Tank
- Water News Article #1: ARCSA International Launches In-field Certification Program for Rainwater Harvesting Systems
- Water News Article #2: The Flood Infrastructure Fund: Helping Communities Advance Critical Flood Risk Reduction Projects
- Water News Article #3: Super El Niño Possible This Year: What it Means for Central Texas
- Water Conservation Tip: AC condensate recapture
- Current Texas Drought Conditions
- Current Texas Water Calendar
- Video: Drainage Districts and County Come Together to Resolve Flooding Issues in Rural RGV Area
- Service Tips: Rainwater systems for irrigation need solenoids checked and cleaned for proper functioning
“The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So we have to hand over to them at least as it was handed over to us.” – Mahatma Gandhi
ARCSA International Technical Symposium Recap
Our founder Chris Maxwell-Gaines was the master of ceremonies for the 2026 American Rain Catchment System Associations annual technical symposium. Here are some highlights from this years event:
Grundfos HQ – host to the 2026 Technical Symposium
World-class pump manufacturers Grundfos hosted the symposium at their US headquarters in Brookshire, Texas. Participants learned first-hand about the principles for pump selection and the challenges rainwater designers must overcome in selecting the right pump for the job. The symposium concluded with a tour of the facilities own commercial scale rainwater system!
Passive Stormwater Management
Our very own Chris Maxwell-Gaines was able to speak to his own experience as a civil engineer designing passive stormwater management systems. Before starting Innovative Water Solutions, Chris designed stormwater detention systems, and loves the interplay between capturing rainwater for personal use and the bigger picture of stormwater management on a regional scale.
The Meadows Center
The Executive Director of Texas State University’s Center for Water & the Environmen spoke about rainwater systems becoming part of the urban landscape throughout Texas. Their scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to bring this simple technology to the forefront of city planners minds.
Rainwater Equipment
Long-time rainwater veteran Jim Wood brought his expertise in the rainwater field to teach new installers how to size and select the right pump and filtration system for their systems, whether they are installing on a residential or a commercial scale.
Blog Post of the Month
City of Austin Graywater Working Group
March 2013 Chris Maxwell-Gaines, P.E., the owner of Innovative Water Solutions LLC, was proud to serve on the Austin Graywater External Working Group as a citizen stakeholder. He was [...]
The Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting in an Urban Environment?
Blog Post Date
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FAQ Post of the Month
How do French Drains work?
If you have a soggy lawn or continual standing water, the solution may be a French drain. A French drain is excellent in collecting and channeling water, diverting it safely away. If you have any [...]
Residential Project of the Month: Regrading for client in Central Austin
The client was experiencing stormwater pooling at their front door. To remedy this, we replaced their concrete walkway with a small step and re-graded the slope away from their home, towards a swale that redirects water from the problem areas. The newly graded areas were topped with weed barrier and gravel for a polished look – stylish and functional!
Commercial Project of the Month: Persimmon Neighborhood 178,155 gallon Rainwater Tank
A new community in Buda wanted to brand their neighborhood with a giant water tank – and we helped them by installing a functional, 8 ring-high tank to serve as the welcome beacon at the neighborhoods entrance. The tank not only serves as high-visibility branding for the development, it also is a functional water storage tank that can be used for added fire protection in this rural area!
Water News You Can Use
ARCSA International Launches In-field Certification Program for Rainwater Harvesting Systems
The first two rainwater systems to receive the certification are Sunset Valley City Hall system and the Grundfos America HQ system in Brookshire.
The Flood Infrastructure Fund: Helping Communities Advance Critical Flood Risk Reduction Projects
The FIF is a financing program created to move flood mitigation projects from concept to construction.
Super El Niño Possible This Year: What it Means for Central Texas
You may have heard the rumor: La Niña is coming to an end and El Niño is taking over and this global phenomenon has a surprisingly huge impact on our local weather here in Central Texas.
More to Explore
Water Conservation Tip
Did you know that you can reclaim the moisture taken out of the air by your air conditioner!? An AC condensate reclaim system is very simple – the pipe that allows water to exit from your AC system is rerouted to a capture system. Because this water is highly pure (similar to distilled water) and lacks minerals, it is a fantastic, sustainable way to supplement non-potable water usage. Call us today to get a free estimate on installing your own AC condensate system – you will be amazed how much water you can reclaim this summer!
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
Is your yard ready for a little beautification? Or do you have a commercial property that needs a little help keeping prim and proper? Call your local landscaper at Greenleaf Landscaping Services LLC! Based in Leander, they specialize in arbor care, landscape design and maintenance.
Service Tips
Do you have a rainwater system that is used for irrigation? Have you ever cleaned your solenoids? Solenoids are valves that allow water to turn off or on to your system and are an essential component of rainwater systems that also autofill with city water to meet irrigation needs when rainwater has run out. If you don’t clean them regularly, they can become clogged with debris and fail to close completely, leading to costly leaks. Watch this how-to on basic solenoid maintenance – and as always, if you need a service tech’s assistance you can call us at 512-490-0932!
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