City of Austin

Austin, TX – Austin Watershed Protection’s Rain Catcher Pilot Program was honored with the 2025 Texas Rain Catcher Award in the governmental category by the Texas Water Development Board. This award recognizes the program’s success in installing over 300 green infrastructure features across 40 residential properties in North Central Austin. The award was presented at the Texas Water Development Board meeting on Oct. 2, 2025, followed by a reception for winners. 

“The Rain Catcher Pilot Program shows how small-scale, community-based solutions make an impact,” said Watershed Protection Manager, Jessica Wilson.   

The Rain Catcher Pilot Program ended in January 2025 with the installation of 117 large cisterns, 65 rain gardens, and 124 rainwater irrigated street trees across residential properties. These systems can collectively capture up to 185,000 gallons of rainwater per storm, helping reduce erosion and ponding while improving creek baseflow. The program focused on a 1.08-square-mile area in North Central Austin, located in the upper portion of the Waller Creek Watershed. This urban neighborhood, with 46% impervious cover, was developed before Austin’s watershed protection regulations were in place and lacked space for large-scale green stormwater infrastructure. This program brought meaningful water quality and stormwater benefits to an area that lacked such protections during its original development.  

“By working across City departments, partnering with a nonprofit and researchers, and engaging our community, we were able to turn rainwater from a problem into a resource to improve creek health, conserve water, cool our city, and build stronger neighborhoods along the way,” said Environmental Officer Liz Johnston. She added, “The actions that individuals take matter. Program participants now have a deeper understanding of their role in making Austin a more livable and resilient city.”  

In addition to improving watershed health, the Rain Catcher Pilot Program contributed to water conservation, alternative water sources during outages, increased tree canopy, enhanced wildlife habitat, and stronger neighborhood connections. It also encouraged residents to view rainwater as a resource, not runoff. The program was administered by Austin Watershed Protection and developed in collaboration with Urban Patchwork and community partners. Austin Water and Austin Development Services provided support and additional funding to reduce the cost for residents adding a rain garden or cistern to their properties. 

For more information on the City of Austin Rain Catcher Pilot Program, visit AustinTexas.gov/RainGardens. 

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About Austin Watershed Protection  

Austin Watershed Protection protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.  

About Texas Water Development Board 

The Texas Water Development Board is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, and agricultural water conservation projects.