Pollen can be a real nuisance during certain seasons, especially for rainwater harvesting systems. Here are a few reminders to help keep your rainwater tank pollen-free and your water clean:

1. Use a Fine Mesh Leaf Screen or Gutter Guard

Depending upon your gutter style and size, always include a fine-mesh screen or downspout leaf guards as part of your rainwater project. These will capture debris and the tassels which produce pollen before it ever reaches your tank.

2. Tank Filtration

Make sure the tank includes a filter basket to “strain” out leaves, bugs, and other debris such as tree tassels.  Empty the basket as often as needed.

3. Clean Your Gutters and Roof Regularly

During pollen-heavy months, rinse your roof and clear out your gutters more frequently.  Pollen tends to build up quickly, and a good roof rinse before a rain can stop a lot of it from washing into your tank. Just be sure that water doesn’t travel into your tank. 

4. Consider Installing an Ozone Generator 

Ozone is a clear, colorless gas that dissipates quickly in a tank of water, unlike chlorine.  Both are powerful oxidizers that will react with organic particles like pollen, breaking them down and keeping the tank clearer and free of musty or earthy odors.

Oxidizers won’t react well with lined tanks. But ozone is introduced into the tank water on a timed basis, and it will evaporate quickly. Adding a recirculation filter to backwash sediment and debris from the tank every few months will keep the water clear and pristine for years while also adding freeze protection.

This week, we celebrated Earth Day, which we feel is an opportunity to share our deep commitment to water conservation and being good stewards of the planet we all share.

What started in 2002 with just Alan, a truck Amy bought to get things going, and a vision to help communities access clean, safe drinking water, has now grown into a company that serves thousands of customers across the country (and world) — all while staying rooted in Central Texas.

Back then, we witnessed firsthand how growing communities were causing wells to run dry. We knew we could be part of the solution. That same passion fuels us today as we continue to advocate for sustainable water practices and empower families to make informed choices about their water sources.

We’re also excited to share that Lakota will be attending Founder’s Day in Dripping Springs! You can find us on Old Fitzhugh Road at our booth, where we’ll be offering water tastings so folks can learn the difference between rainwater, well water, and tap water. We’ll also have a tank on-site with free, refreshing rainwater—perfect for drinking or refilling your water bottle. We hope to see some familiar, friendly faces stop by!

With gratitude,
Alan and Amy Rossing
Founders, Lakota Water Company

Lakota Water Company is excited to welcome Mr. Michael Sellars to the team as a Field Manager as of January 6, 2025. 

Michael and his family have moved to the area from McAllen, Texas, and he brings years of water treatment experience and leadership to the team. Michael will oversee the crew and project management.

We now offer an optional Service Agreement which includes quarterly visits, ensuring you receive more routine maintenance and inspections of your system. Over the years, we’ve found too many unsafe scenarios when only coming out once or twice a year. Power surges burn out UV lamps, critters gnaw through wiring, leaks saturate pump houses, equipment breaks down, freezes damage systems, etc.

This agreement is designed to provide you more peace of mind and allows us to catch any minor issues before they can become more significant (and potentially – more costly).

During these visits, we will inspect your tank, guttering, and equipment, and we will service those items if it is time. We will also backwash your recirculation system, check the ozone generator, empty the filter basket, get a water sample for testing (recommended annually), inspect winterization, and perform all of the other services we’ve always done. And, now we can be more proactive about ensuring the integrity of your system before expensive costs and repairs occur. 

If interested, please call us at (512) 858-0860 or email main@lakotawatercompany.com

As the Lakota team begins a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on our journey and express our gratitude to all who have supported us along the way.

Lakota Water Company is entering its 23rd year as a corporation, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built with our customers, team, and family.

In 2002, it was just Alan, a truck Amy bought to get the business going, and a vision to help people access clean, safe drinking water. At the time, we saw wells going dry as communities grew, and we knew we could make a difference. What began as a small operation has now grown to serve thousands of customers nationwide, all while staying grounded in our Central Texas roots.

We are proud to uphold the values that have guided us since day one: dedication, faith, and a commitment to our customers. None of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible team, our loyal customers, and the community that has embraced us over the years.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 20+ years of growth, innovation, and helping people across the country achieve safe, reliable water solutions.

With gratitude,

Alan and Amy Rossing
Founders, Lakota Water Company

Protecting your rainwater harvesting system from freezing temperatures is essential to ensure it operates efficiently throughout the winter months. Here are some practical tips from Lakota Water Company to safeguard your system:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes and Tanks

Wrap all exposed pipes, valves, and fittings with weather-resistant insulation or heat tape to prevent freezing. 

2. Drain Unused Components

Drain your pipes and equipment during extreme and long-term freezes when temperatures won’t rise above freezing for days. This includes any pressurized piping, downspouts, pumps, and filter housings.  

3. Run your Recirculation Systems Longer 

Freeze protection timers will automatically turn on at colder temperatures if you have our recirculation system.  Stirring the water and circulating it through piping will help against frozen pipes. If you don’t have a recirculation system, you may also run a hose through your gutters at ½ flow to keep water cycling.  

5. Protect Your Equipment

Use a heat lamp or floor heater (at floor level since heat rises) and be sure your equipment is enclosed in an insulated building, if possible. Be careful not to melt piping or fittings. Drain water from the pump and filter housings.   

6. Monitor the System Regularly

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and inspect your system frequently during freezing periods to identify any potential issues early.

8. Winterize Rainwater Collection Surfaces

Clean and inspect your gutters and downspouts before freezing weather begins. Remove debris to ensure water flows freely and doesn’t freeze in place, weighing down your gutters.

9. The Basics

Nothing works as well as the age-old rule of dripping faucets and opening cabinets in the house to get heat to the pipes.  Capture and re-use the water in receptacles if you wish.

By following these freeze protection tips, you can extend the life of your rainwater harvesting system and maintain a reliable water source, even in colder months.

In July 2024, we welcomed Wilbert Cruz, our new son-in-law as a Field Technician. 

Wilbert has experience in logistics and field operations and has been a great asset to the team since joining. Wilbert is not only continuing to learn more about rainwater systems and service, but he has also been training on tank installations.

Photo of Amy Rossing, Wilbert Cruz, Sierra Cruz (Rossing), and Alan Rossing at Wilbert & Sierra’s Wedding in October 2024

We recently launched a new website for our sister company, Lakota Tank Company.

While Lakota Water Company is known for turnkey rainwater installations, maintenance, and service, primarily on the residential level, Lakota Tank Company focuses on containment options for rainwater, well water, and fire protection for residential, commercial, and agricultural uses. We’ve even designed our own tank with a 30-degree sloped roof called the Lakota Legacy Tank.

Visit our new website by clicking here.

We have redesigned the website to be more user-friendly, making it easier than ever for you to review the different tank uses, sizes, styles, materials, and more.

Lakota continues to be very busy with turnkey rainwater installations, service, upgrades, and design.  Central Texas and the world are becoming much more aware of water conservation and the benefits of rainwater year round!