Innovative Water Solutions
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Innovative Water Solutions
Since 2004, Innovative Water Solutions LLC has been creating practical, beautiful water management solutions to suit your individual needs. We can move stormwater from problematic areas, store rainwater for later use, or reduce your outdoor water demand. From the founders' backgrounds as Peace Corps volunteers, IWS has a passion for the sustainable management of our water resources.

We are an engineering design / build firm that is driven by these ideals through water conservation and stormwater management solutions for residential and commercial projects. We provide complete engineering design and consulting services for residential and commercial projects. We specialize in the installation of customized water conservation, stormwater management, and auxiliary water solutions.

We provide service, maintenance, inspection, and testing services for the various systems we design and install. Our experience and professional expertise can ensure that we have the right solution for your project, right from the start.
Services
Innovative Water Solutions LLC is a full-service water conservation, stormwater management, and auxiliary water system design / build company for residential and commercial projects. We create rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and irrigation systems as well as drainage improvements and landscape solutions.
We offer a range of maintenance, inspection, and testing services that complement our installation systems or help you diagnose issues with your existing water conservation systems. We want to ensure the longevity of your rainwater collection or graywater reuse system and help your protect your investment, no matter if we installed it or another contractor.
Even though the practice of rainwater harvesting originated in ancient times, it is still a valuable practice that can provide many benefits in our modern times. A rainwater harvesting system collects rainfall from impervious surfaces to be stored and used later, typically on the site where it was collected.
Graywater reuse will offer huge water conservation gains that will not be achieved by any other water conservation technology for the typical house or building. Graywater reuse systems collect water from showers/bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and clothes washers. Then, under current regulations, it can be reused outdoors for irrigation use, replacing municipal potable water usage.
There are many causes for drainage issues on your property. They can be caused by the stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as your roof, bad grading, poorly draining soils, or by the presence of groundwater. This can all be compounded by stormwater runoff from neighboring properties.
Reviews (26)
Jack Swingler
Jack Swingler
Oct 01, 2021
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Critical: Responsiveness
We did a whole house system with Innovative, a substantial investment. They are nice people, and we enjoyed working with them. While the rainwater is one of the great things about the house, Innovative is very unresponsive and provides less than expected service after the sale.
Service: Installation
Jack S.
Jack S.
Sep 29, 2021
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We did a whole house system with Innovative, a substantial investment. They are nice people, and we enjoyed working with them. While the rainwater is one of the great things about the house, Innovative is very unresponsive and provides less than expected service after the sale.
Michael B.
Michael B.
Aug 18, 2021
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I paid $250 for a licensed engineer to come check out my property and discuss how I can address the drainage issues myself. A competitor quoted $150 but didn't seem like the person they'd send was an engineer, and they couldn't come out for about another month, whereas Innovative Water scheduled me for a few days later.

Chris described what I should do (and why), answered all my questions clearly, and invited me to email any followup questions if I had any. I had one, and he replied right away.

I had some ideas of what to do before Chris came out, but his suggestions took it
Tracy Fritz
Tracy Fritz
Jun 01, 2021
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We are in the midst of a project with Innovative Water Solutions, and it is not going well. We received a proposal to replace the gutter system and lay an underground pipe to carry water to the street. Because IWS is busy, the project has to be broken into two parts: gutters first, pipes later. It took a month to get a date for the gutters, and it will take 10-12 weeks for the pipe. Not great, but OK. The problem is this: they installed one of the gutters in the wrong place. Instead of putting it in front of the house so that water drains down the driveway and into the street, they placed it on
Jacob King
Jacob King
May 04, 2021
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We got our quote quickly and then had to sit on repairs for a few months. When we called them back, the quote was honored and a walkthrough was scheduled within a day or two. Once work began, the team was quick, efficient, and friendly. They did a great job digging around fencing and an A/C unit, not to mention rocks and weed block fabric. Fantastic job all around.
Jill C.
Jill C.
Jan 19, 2021
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These folks did some drainage improvement work for us. We received bids from a few other reputable establishment before selecting Innovative Water Solutions. Their project design plan and installation work was excellent. We have had several heavy rains since work was completed and the improvements are dramatic. The cost was also reasonable and affordable.
Lance Wright
Lance Wright
Dec 28, 2020
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Called for help with our water pump (needed replacing) and was able to get an appointment the next day. Jacob came out and ran into some issues with our particular setup (wasn't installed by Innovative) and spent hours trying to figure it out. Eventually Chris came out as well and it turned into an all day job. Despite the hour, they stuck with it to make sure it was fixed (and my family had water). I can't recommend them enough. Will definitely have them back to do some maintenance and improvements.
Paul Spurlin
Paul Spurlin
Dec 24, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
The guys came and gave me a consultation to optimize my previously installed rainwater collection system. They had some great ideas, and implemented them at a good price. Everything looks great, the team was very professional
Eric S.
Eric S.
Sep 29, 2020
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Chris was great at listening to what my wife and I wanted and provided expert suggestions on what we needed. His crew showed up on time, finished the job, and came back to make small corrections. Alex, the team leader, was great as well. He actively listened to us, and made sure everything was done professionally. I recommend this business.
Toni Nelson
Toni Nelson
Sep 21, 2019
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We are very pleased with our new rainwater collection system! Innovative Water Solutions responded quickly to my phone calls, emails and answers to questions. Other companies did not.While their price was a little higher, it was a firm price. Other companies did not offer a firm cost and that made me nervous. Their price also included things that were needed and were not "add-ons". As we are new to this , we did not know what was essential and what was not. The work crews were polite, professional and cleaned up after themselves. We highly recommend them.
Rhiannon B.
Rhiannon B.
Sep 20, 2018
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It took me some time to write this review because I frankly forgot about all my drainage issues because Chris and his crew at Innovative Water Solutions resolved the problem completely- better than I thought possible. I interviewed a few other places in town for drainage issues for my flat lot on the East Side. The solutions at best were mediocre (french drain, foundation repair...) and even some said "M'am, is your husband home so we can speak to him?". UGH.

But Chris and his crew came over quickly, and came up with an INNOVATIVE solution to the issue that has kept my lot
Don Groody
Don Groody
Sep 12, 2018
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Hometown Builders had a need for 52,000+-gallon rain catchment and storage for one of our projects. This undertaking required professional expertise to capture as much of our proposed and complicated roofing systems as possible.
Innovative Water Solutions was selected for this job on the basis of their past installations and references. Moreover, I had the confidence that Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Professional Engineer and owner, would achieve a quality design for our rain water capture. Innovative's knowledgeable crew also accomplished a prompt full installation of the tanks, piping connections,
Andrea Z.
Andrea Z.
Sep 04, 2018
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I am writing this review several years after the work was done but I felt compelled to because after another large rainfall I am marveling at what a great job these guys did! Since the work was done there have been many large rainfalls which used to cause big problems with water collecting in front of my house and flooding my backyard. Now there is no longer any problem and I don't have to be scared when there is a lot of rain predicted. I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews posted. Although I had to wait about 2 months for the work to begin because they were so busy I am
Tena Z.
Tena Z.
Aug 16, 2018
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Since July I have been trying to the Crew from Innovative Water Solutions to correct my drainage issue. They installed a drain from the roof to catch some of the run-off, but still get a standing water issue. Today the crew was suppose to show up at 10 o'clock. NO SHOW. No phone call. When I call the office, nobody picks up the phone. I agreed on the original design to create a swell (ditch) to drain water to street. Chris's design failed. Instead of trying a different solution, he wants to walk-away. I paid them $2265.00 and I still have the same problem I started with. NO SOLUTION!
Ophelia C.
Ophelia C.
May 01, 2018
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I am so impressed with Chris and innovative water solutions! He is knowledgeable, practical, and truly has the customer in mind! He helped us brainstorm some drainage issues on our property and seemed to really care about the right solution vs trying to upsell/propose costly systems that we didn't really need. Highly recommend.
Amit U.
Amit U.
Sep 29, 2017
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Got water softener installed today. These guys did a grat job.
Thank you.
Martha P.
Martha P.
Sep 23, 2016
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I hired these guys because I had water issues leading to foundation issues. Very pleasant group intent on customer satisfaction. They came back out to address an issue that wasn't done as great as it could have been without any issue. Now everything seems perfect.

They subcontract out for gutters and that took a long time to get installed. Maybe 2 months? That was my only negative experience.

Otherwise very nice work and very much appreciated.
Robert Reeves
Robert Reeves
Jul 28, 2016
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We have two 2500 gal tanks feeding our irrigation system. We've had a ton of service providers at our house during the remodel and they were the best. When things go wrong with the system, they are fast, fair, and a joy to work with.
On top of that, they saved me a ton of money by helping me get the rebate from Austin Energy. You get $1/gal up to half the cost of the system. I paid myself back in a handful of months.
Seriously, get a rainwater collection system. My house looks like Maui in September while my neighbors' look like a desert.
Sheryl F.
Sheryl F.
Jun 21, 2016
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If you are thinking about installing a water catchment system, run don't walk to get in line for this company. They just finished our 20,000 gallon system in Liberty Hill. Yes, we waited a long time as they are deservedly busy, but the wait was worth it. They showed up exactly the morning they scheduled, despite the weeks of rain that preceded it. They finished the job in the time promised, at the price they quoted. Gabe, the project manager, and Aaron, the job boss were always available and my husband really enjoyed following the process with them and the excellent crew. It was a pleasure
Ephesians E.
Ephesians E.
Jan 14, 2016
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This company has terrible customer service. They will make false promises continuously. Please don't waste your time, choose another business to handle the services your needing. They have little respect for prospective customers or their time.
Sherif Ebady
Sherif Ebady
Nov 09, 2015
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I had Innovative Water Solutions do some drainage improvement on a french drain to keep my foundation dry (I also had them install downspout drain lines). Their recommendation was to remove the french drain and install a swale instead. I realize now after several rain events that this was probably not the ideal way to improve drainage away from my foundation. So I would not recommend them for landscape drainage type work. The downspout installation, on the other hand, was done well and has been working well. Water collection and downspouts are really their specialization and what they probably
Gwen B.
Gwen B.
Oct 28, 2015
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While it does seem these guys are very knowledgable, be aware that they require 50% cash upfront and a signed contract before they will even put your job on the schedule. The quoted lag time to begin work has varied this year from 6 weeks to 3 months before they show up to do anything; yet they want 50% cash payment immediately. This seems unreasonable to me, I will look for another company with more standard terms.
John B.
John B.
Mar 30, 2015
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Our system was installed last April, so I have waited until we had some time with the system to write a review. We installed a 52,000 gallon system approximately 350 feet from the house, which created some terrain complications. James (sales) and Gabe (service) were involved in the planning stages, as well as the installation. Of all of the subcontractors we used in building our home, the team from IWS ranked at the top. The crew was courteous, focused on their job, explained in detail what they were doing, and if an issue occurred, fixed or solved it to my satisfaction. They also left the building
Laura C.
Laura C.
Mar 18, 2014
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I value customer service and I also value companies who address customer concerns head on. I appreciate Chris' attempt to resolve this issue. I can't give them 5 stars, because I haven't actually done the work with them. But I definitely would give them a second chance if I have additional drainage issues. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
Ken G.
Ken G.
Apr 30, 2012
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IWS designed and installed a 10,000 gallon potable rainwater system for me at a ranch near Llano. I met with Chris to show him my house plans, and he thoroughly explained the system & method to the installation. I was completely impressed by the promptness, professionality, and competent demeanor of the installation crew. They were good guys & a pleasure to have on site. A year later, I've had trouble free operation of the system. I often tell people it's one of my favorite features of the house. I strongly recommend you consider IWS if you are doing a system.
M. I.
M. I.
Jul 12, 2010
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Chris came out to look at my house for an estimate on a rainwater system. Sadly, because of the way my house is situated it is not a good candidate for one. I really appreciate that Chris was so up front about it and really enjoyed talking to him. He could have easily gotten me to buy something that I didn't need nor was as efficient as it could be...