Investing in Sustainability
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe's Rainwater Harvesting SuccessLegacy of Stewardship
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, stewards of the state’s oldest reservation, have long understood the importance of preserving natural resources. Their 11,706-acre reservation in the Big Thicket region of East Texas has been home to the Tribe since the 1800s.
Today, that legacy of stewardship continues in a new form: water sustainability. In the aftermath of a year-long drought in 2022, the Tribe recognized the urgent need to protect their primary water resources. They made a strategic decision to explore renewable alternatives and soon embarked on a rainwater harvesting project that now serves multiple community and environmental needs.
With support from the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub and guidance from Jacob Shaffer, District Conservatitionist in the Weatherford Field Office, the Tribe designed a system that captures rooftop runoff from the 100′ x 200′ surface of the Veterans Pavilion.
A gutter system and three downspouts channel rainwater into a 65,000-gallon Pioneer storage tank, which is now plumbed to support various community functions. Gesse Bullock, Deputy Tribal Administrator of Natural Resources, and his wild land fire crew supplied all labor and plumbing materials for the installation, demonstrating to other Tribes that such projects can be successfully carried out within their own communities. Since the system’s installation, the tank has reached a capacity of approximately 35,000 gallons. After a few adjustments and repairs, the Tribe anticipates reaching full capacity in the coming months.The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Southern Plains Region provided full funding for the project.
Primary Uses
The harvested rainwater is already making a tangible impact. It provides water for irrigating community gardens, supporting the Tribe’s goal of becoming a food sovereign nation and addressing long-standing health challenges through better nutrition. The system also supports dust abatement during community events and plays a critical role in prescribed burns, a land management practice that now requires more water due to the increasing frequency and intensity of fire seasons.
Empowering Community Through Education
The Tribe’s outreach doesn’t end with infrastructure. Community workshops are held regularly, training 20-25 participants per session on the basics of rainwater harvesting, with each participant receiving a 55-gallon rain barrel to install at their own home. These workshops not only expand local water availability but also deepen environmental awareness and self-sufficiency among tribal members. Additionally, the Tribe is investing in educational efforts to restore vegetation in riparian zones. These improvements support long-term groundwater recharge and help ensure that future generations will have clean, reliable groundwater resources.
Recognition and Regional Impact
In recognition of their stewardship, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe received the 2024 Texas Rain Catcher Award from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Their success has also served as a model for others. Through educational presentations and outreach, the Tribe has inspired the implementation of similar projects in tribal communities across Oklahoma and New Mexico. Presentations have reached audiences as far as Washington State, and new initiatives are underway in California.
A Model for Tribal-Led Sustainability
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s rainwater harvesting project is more than a technical success, it’s a modern expression of an enduring ethic of stewardship, shaped by centuries of experience, alliance, and adaptation. The project presents a compelling example of how integrated water strategies, community education, and cultural values can work together to build resilient water futures.
To Learn More Visit:
https://www.alabama-coushatta.com/
This article was reviewed and enhanced by Gesse Bullock, Deputy Tribal Administrator of Natural Resources.