Rainbarrels
We
think of the Pacific Northwest as rainy and wet, but in summers,
we actually have a drought. Between the months of May and
September, we receive 20% of the annual rainfall. Much of
our household water is sprinkled on our lawns and gardens—a
inefficient use of a precious resource! Saving rainwater
can an efficient and inexpensive way to reduce our use of
municipal water.
Using
a barrel to catch water flowing from our roofs is one of
the simplest and least expensive ways to conserve water and
divert it from the storm sewer. An added bonus: Rainwater
is unchlorinated, softer, and warmer than tap water, qualities
that plants like.
Here
are plans for a very simple
rainbarrel (alternative rain barrel plans) you can make in minutes. It is made from a
55 gallon barrel which you can find from many sources--car
wash operators, restaurants or food processing plants. It
is important to use a barrel that did not contain toxic materials.
We
will also be including creative rainbarrel designs that others
in our comunity are using. Each roof and landscape is different--so
be creative when approaching this project!
Here
are links to several other informative rain barrel sites:
http://nsf.org/consumer/rainwater_collection/index.asp?program=RainwaterCol
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/pi/rainbarrels.htm
http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/
http://www.gardenwatersaver.com/
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