1. Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 2015

2. Thank you to the City of Oshkosh for sponsoring this event and offering a discount to Oshkosh residents!

3. Thank you to Milk Source, LLC for your donations and helping make this workshop possible!

4. Workshop Agenda Rain Barrel DO’s Rain Barrel DONT’S Rain Barrel Myths
Rain Barrel Benefits
Rain Barrel Construction
Tips and Secrets

5. Rain Barrel Do’s Water Lawn Water Garden Wash Car on the Lawn
Cleaning Windows and House

6. Rain Barrel Don’ts Do not drink the water without testing it.
Do not use the water for cooking or bathing.
Do not drain the water to the street

7. Rain Barrel Myths It’s UGLY…… It’s a Mosquito Breeding Ground
It will catch all the water from my roof
It can be used all year.

8. Rain Barrel Myths: It’s Ugly
I’ll let the pictures make the point.
Recommend Krylon “Fusion” which will bond well to plastic

9. Rain Barrel Myths: It’s a Mosquito Breeding Ground
Mosquitoes need roughly a week of standing water to develop.
Empty water within a week to avoid breeding.
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil
Keep barrel free of organic material
Keep barrel covered with mesh (if connecting spout to the top of the barrel)

10. Rainbarrel Myths: It will catch all the water from my roof
In a one inch rain event the water off 10 sq ft will produce roughly 60 gallons of water
Plan for the overflow (kits are designed to reduce overflow)
Link barrels or create a larger network of barrels

11. Rain Barrel Myths: It can be used all year.
Disconnect barrel when freezing weather starts and reconnect existing spouting
Empty barrel and store upside down so it remains dry and clean

12. Rain Barrel Benefits
Outdoor watering can account for up to 30% of annual water bill—save money by using rain barrel
Using less treated water can reduce demand on water treatment facilities
Using non-chlorinated water will be better for gardens and lawns

13. Rain Barrel Benefits Helps natural groundwater recharge
Reduces water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, and nutrients to our local waterways
Easy and inexpensive to build and install

14. Rain Barrel Construction
No right or wrong way
There are several construction options
Make it the best for your specific situation
No “one size fits all” solution

15. Rain Barrel Construction: The Big Three Things to Keep in Mind
1) How to get Water IN
2) How to get Water OUT
3) What do I do with the EXCESS water

16. Rain Barrel Instructions from the Diverter Kit Manufacturer

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23. Rainbarrel Tips Control Mosquitoes by adding 1tbsp of olive oil
Fill bottom of barrel with clean limestone to add weight and correct pH of water
Raise barrel to increase pressure
Empty barrel within one week after rain event to control mosquitoes

24. Thank you for Attending!
Let us know if you have any questions