Although it will take a while to see the economic benefits of installing rainwater harvesting systems, it is still a worthwhile investment because of its environmental implications. Also, there are no major legal barriers to overcome. However, rainwater harvesting systems would do little to alleviate the overall flooding problem in Harris County. It is also important to keep rainwater harvesting in mind when we consider planning for the future. As the population increases, the demand for water will increase. Also, there is always the chance that droughts could occur as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change. These possibilities make water an increasingly valuable resource. Therefore, having alternative sources of water will be vital in combating high demand and scarcity in the future.
Rainwater harvesting systems are a viable option in Harris County because of its climate. In dryer climates, rainwater harvesting would not be as effective because there would be a smaller amount of water. It doesn't rain everyday in Harris County, but when it does, it rains a lot. Therefore, the water can be stored and used later. Residential rainwater harvesting systems would not force people to relocate. At worst, some rainwater harvesting systems are aesthetically unappealing. Permeable pavement and rain gardens would more than likely be installed on a commercial scale, which would take up a lot of land and create the typical environmental problems associated with construction.