Think green… Rain barrels

What do these things have in common?

Source: Plow and Hearth

Rainwater can be harvested!

Why do we care? 1. Water is a finite resource 2. Rainwater is a practically free source of water 3. Using rainwater decreases the need for treated tap water 4. Harvested rainwater can be used during drought periods 5. Rain barrels can help control stormwater on your property 6. Controlling rainwater mitigates stormwater runoff impacts 7. Rainwater is easily collected and stored

Why do we care? Water is a finite resource.

Why do we care? Rainwater is free for the taking!

Calculating Rainfall Runoff Rainwater is free for the taking! 1 inch of rainfall provides about 600 gallons of water for every 1,000 square feet roof. Example:  2,000 square feet roof  600 gal x 2= 1,200 gallons  20 inches of rainfall per year = 24,000 gallons! Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

The larger the roof… The more rainwater collected!

Why do we care? Decreases the need for treated tap water.

Why do we care? Drought and water rationing. Drought in Oklahoma: : Dust Bowl : 700,000 acres damaged in 30 western counties Were you affected?

Why do we care? Control stormwater on your property

Why do we care? Stormwater runoff impacts

Why do we care? Rainwater is easily collected and stored! Source: Amazon.com RTS Home Accents Koolatron Allgreen Suncast

Low cost Efficient Energy saving Eco-friendly Proactive What we can do: Rain barrels Source: composters.com

Now that you’re convinced … Let’s get started!

START WITH YOUR HOME AND LANDSCAPE Where To Begin?

Making your home environment a priority… Cleanliness Maintenance Improvement Where To Begin?

Maintenance: Make sure your home is in “shape”

Maintenance: Manage from the roof down

Maintenance: Evaluate your home!

Improvement: Prep the site for your rain barrel!

Build a Platform for Barrel

Elevate barrel to ensure water pressure.

You want to make certain that the rain barrel is NOT causing problems! Improper installation and maintenance may cause water to sit near the foundation of the house and cause damage! Word of caution…

CATCHMENT AREA CONVEYANCE SYSTEM STORAGE TANK FILTRATION WATER DISTRIBUTION Components of a rain barrel

Catchment Area Any area that collects or sheds rainwater  Roof is the most common with it’s already existing slope and height  Other forms could be: sidewalks, driveways, or natural man- made structures. Most homes have guttering systems connected to the roof which, can be directly funneled into the storage tank

Transport water into storage tank  Gutters are ideal Conveyance System Source: 2 nd Green Revolution

Storage tanks are made from a variety of materials  Plastic  Fiberglass  Concrete  Metal  Wood Storage Tank

Filtration There needs to be a lid that is secure so small children and pets cannot get to the water source A simple screen can filter water so that small debris and bugs do not enter with the water  Window screen  Wire mesh

Water Distribution Getting the water to the right place is the final step Release through the spout Low water pressure  Watering can  Soaker hose  Garden hose Greater water level the better the water pressure

Where can I find a rain barrel?

RAIN BARREL VIDEOS Can I make my own rain barrel? H79M

Choose a Barrel: If recycling, make sure your storage tank did not to store hazardous chemicals… this could be dangerous! Making your own ?

Clean the Barrel: Many barrels will contain particles that should be rinsed out before use Use a bleach water solution to rinse and disinfect the barrel Making your own

Install the Outlet: Drill hole near bottom of barrel Insert the spigot halfway, line up threads Seal the spigot with a sealant

Making your own Connect Downspout to Barrel: Measure the downspout to see where you will cut or disconnect it to fit on top of the barrel You may choose to use a downspout extender to connect the downspout to the barrel

Making your own Cut Barrel Opening: Cut an opening in the lid for downspout to drain in the barrel Make certain that the downspout aligns with opening

DO I NEED A PERMIT? HOW DO I MAINTAIN A RAIN BARREL? WHAT IF WE GET TOO MUCH RAIN? WHAT ABOUT MOSQUITOES? WILL MY RAIN BARREL TIP OVER? IS HARVESTED RAINWATER SAFE? FAQ’s

Check with homeowner’s association guidelines! FAQ: Do I need a permit?

Check on your barrel from time to time as you do yard work! FAQ: How do I maintain my rain barrel?

Your barrel will allow overflow. FAQ: What if we get too much rain?

Multi-system of rain barrels If you would like to have access to more than one rain barrel worth of water, multiple rain barrels may be needed. Link rain barrels together with a system that transfers excess water to the next barrel. Abundant Water Source: Sky-bolt.com

Know your model! For example, this one has a screen. FAQ: What about mosquitoes? Amazon.com RTS Home Accents

Make sure gutters are clean and working to prevent standing water! FAQ: What about mosquitoes? Amazon.com Madison Rain Catcher

When full, a 50 gallon rain barrel will weigh around 400 pounds. FAQ: Will my barrel tip over?

Winter time considerations… FAQ: Will my barrel tip over?

FAQ: Using Rain Barrel Water

Rainwater is more than adequate for plants. FAQ: Is harvested rainwater safe? Southwest Florida Water Management District

What about vegetable gardens?

Rainwater, roofs, gutters, and bacteria!

Remember that rainwater is not potable (drinkable) water.

Don’t waste your harvested rainwater by watering the front walk!

It all starts with one rain barrel… Rain barrels serve as a starting point for people to become interested in water harvesting.

What can we do? Take the 40 gallon challenge

References DeBusk, K., Hunt, W. F., Osmond, D. L., & Cope, G. W. (2009). Water quality of rooftop runoff. Retrieved February, 2011, from Jones, M. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2008). Rainwater harvesting: Guidance for homeowners. Retrieved February, 2011, from Jones, M. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2010). Performance of rainwater harvesting systems in the Southeastern United States. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(10), Mendez, C. B., Afshar, B. R., Kinney, K., Barrett, M. E., & Kirisits, M. J. (2010). Effect of roof material on water quality for rainwater harvesting systems. Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. (2010). Rain barrels and cisterns: Saving rain for thirsty gardens, Green team publication. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. Smith, B. B. (2006, March 10). Using rain barrels saves water, money. The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. (2008). Safe use of rain barrel water in the vegetable garden. from US Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). How can I make a rain barrel? Retrieved February, 2011, from US Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Rain barrels. Retrieved February, 2011, from US Environmental Protection Agency: Region 3. (2009). What is a rain barrel? Retrieved February, 2011, from Washington State University. (n.d.). Build your own rain barrel. Retrieved February, 2011, from Watson, G. (n.d.). Rain barrels: A homeowner's guide. Retrieved February, 2011, from