• National association elects new board to manage growth
AUSTIN, TX, Oct. 1, 2009 -- The nation's interest in "green" living and "green" jobs is continuing to fuel the growth of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), a national non-profit that educates people on how to use rainwater harvesting systems and conserve water. During the past three years, ARCSA's membership has grown rapidly from 256 members to over 700 as of September 2009.
"The recent droughts in California, Washington, Georgia, and Texas have increased awareness about the impact water shortages can have nationwide," said newly-elected ARCSA president E.W. "Bob" Boulware, P.E., of Indiana. "People want to know what they can do to save water and ARCSA appears to be in the right place at the right time to help."
One of ARCSA's many accomplishments this past year was Boulware serving as liaison between ARCSA and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). Working with code officials, his committee developed the Green Plumbing Supplement to the next edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code(R). It now includes design standards for rainwater harvesting systems, which will allow systems to be approved as an alternative to utility-provided water.
In the past two years, ARCSA's conferences and accreditation workshops have taught rainwater catchment practices to hundreds of individuals across the United States. At its September national conference in Decatur, Georgia, ARCSA elected a new board that's preparing itself for future growth by expanding its services to members nationwide.
At the conclusion of the conference, members elected nine board members. The association's board now consists of:
-- Bob Boulware, president, from Indianapolis, Indiana
-- Jason Kerrigan, vice-president, from Australia and Illinois
-- Ramiro Ortiz, treasurer, from Plano, Texas
-- Doug Pushard, secretary, from Santa Fe, New Mexico
-- John Hammerstrom from Tavernier, Florida
-- Heather Kinkade from Phoenix, Arizona
-- Billy Kniffen from Menard, Texas
-- Tim Pope from Friday Harbor, Washington
-- Joe Wheeler from Austin, Texas
Boulware is excited about the future of the association. "My goal, as president," he said, "is to keep the membership growing and add to the gathering of new ideas. My dream is to focus the enthusiasm of ARCSA members to promote the concept of a National Water Policy."
For more information about ARCSA and it's educational offerings, please visit www.ARCSA.org.
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