Commissioners Anticipate More Rain

Rainwater catchment system added to Ag Barn Project

An eye-catching article in today's Daily Times tells us how a rainwater catchment system has been added to the Ag Barn project.  The article does not carry a figure for the cost of the system, but explains that the system is quite sophisticated and will add the water to the plumbing system of the barn for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, dust control and irrigation.

A neighbor of mine has a catchment system.  It's a thing of beauty.  But in these dry years it is difficult to see how it has made a significant contribution to her garden irrigation.

The system at the new ag barn will be large and quite sophisticated...quite a step up from putting a barrel under your gutter downspout.  How much cost will it add?  How much maintenance?  How many years in drouth or low-water conditions will be needed to recoup the cost?

I fear that, as with most "green" projects, we are expected to give credit for good thoughts and intentions rather than for economic viability.  Like Solyndra and electric cars, we're supposed to feel better because we use them, not because they save us money.  But maybe I am wrong.