ACUA has two upcoming rain
barrel workshops (March 19 and May 15) with AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador
Brigid Kane-Miller. Below, Brigid shares why rain barrels are so beneficial.
Rain barrels can be used during
the spring, summer and fall months to collect water runoff from rooftops through
your home’s downspout. The barrels have a spigot for attaching a hose or
filling a watering can.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding one to your outdoor area.
Conserves Water, Saves Money
Rain barrels help
you conserve water and save money. Instead of using fresh water from the hose,
you can use free, natural water from your rooftop to maintain your garden and
lawn, even in times of drought, which can greatly reduce water bills.
An average
rainfall of 1” yields 600 gallons of water from a 1,000 square ft. roof. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
estimates that 40% of water used in the summer goes towards garden and lawn
irrigation. By using a rain barrel for
irrigation, the average home can save 1,300 gallons of water during the summer
months.
Left: NJ Top 10 Beaches Rain Barrel Contest on Display in ACUA Garden; Top Right: Hand-painted rain barrel from former workshop attendee; Top Bottom: Past Rain Barrel Workshop attendees.
Makes Healthy Plants
Water
collected from rain barrels is free of minerals found in tap water and is highly
oxygenated, which makes it ideal for watering both indoor and outdoor plants. The
water increases overall health and also encourages strong root development.
Prevents Pollution & Flooding
Rain
barrels limit runoff pollution. As water
flows from roofs onto impervious surfaces, it collects pollutants such as fertilizers,
oil, and pesticides that can be washed into nearby waterways through storm
drains without treatment. By placing
rain barrels under downspouts, this runoff is reduced while also preventing
flooding, erosion, and mold around the home.
Recharges Groundwater
Using water collected
from a rain barrel for irrigation helps to recharge groundwater, which is where
most water originates.
Other
Water from rain
barrels can also be used for washing pets or cars and filling birdbaths. They can also make excellent outdoor decorations when painted like in the images above.
Want to make your own?
Sign
up for one of ACUA’s upcoming rain barrel workshops where you can make your own rain barrel for only $20! Workshops will be held on Saturday, March 19, or
Sunday, May 15. Click here to learn more.