A rain barrel collects water from the downspout and stores it for later use.
Rain barrels collect and store water for later use. This water is free and does not contain any chlorine, lime or calcium. Rain barrels provide an environmentally friendly water source for watering the garden, washing the car or filling a swimming pool. Several rain barrels can be linked together to increase storage. Rain barrels keep water from entering the storm drain system, decreasing runoff pollution of waterways and erosion. Purchasing a rain barrel can cost several hundred dollars. Building one can cost over a hundred dollars. Does this Spark an idea?
DC Greenworks Rain Barrel Program
In Washington, D.C., the DC Greenworks organization installs rain barrels for only $30. Because of the popularity of the program, there is a 3- to 5-month waiting period for the rain barrels. To offset this waiting period and meet their goal of installing 1,000 rain barrels in one year, this organization offers a Rain Barrel rebate program. Eligible rain barrel models are identified and an application form is available on the website. These programs are part of the RiverSmart Homes Grant Program.
DC Greenworks
1341 H Street NE, Suite 203
Washington, DC 20002
202-518-6195
www.dcgreenworks.org
Rutgers Water Resources Program - Build a Rain Barrel Workshop
Rutgers University Cooperative Extension has a Stormwater Management in Your Backyard program that offers a Build a Rain Barrel Workshop. This workshop is also part of the Water Conservation Program for New Jersey, which gets funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to teaching students build a rain barrel, the workshop subsidizes the cost of the materials. The total cost of the 2-hour workshop is less than $50.
http://www.water.rutgers.edu/Stormwater_Management/rainbarrels.html
Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER Rain Barrel Donation Program
Using grant money from the EPA, the Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER organization donates rain barrels. Recipients are required to have an external gutter system with a downspout. The organization prioritizes high visibility sites, like public offices and schools and low-income residential areas.
Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER
1250 Niagara St.
Buffalo, NY 14213
716-852-7483
bnriverkeeper.org
Tags: Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER, Niagara RIVERKEEPER, Rain Barrel, Rain Barrel, rain barrels, Barrel Workshop