Rain Barrels

WHAT IS A RAIN BARREL?

A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater that would otherwise be lost to runoff and likely diverted to a storm drain.  Collected water may then be used to water lawns and gardens.  Rainwater can be collected in many ways.  However, the most common way is to install a system that collects rainwater from rooftop runoff.  A diverter is installed on a gutter downspout.  The runoff is collected in the barrel.  Once full, the diverter will channel the water back into the downspout.

At our newly constructed Doris V. Jones senior citizen apartment building, we installed two rain barrels earlier this summer.  Our goal was to see how they worked and to give our residents the opportunity to water their plants naturally.

Pictured below is one of the 57 gallon barrels that we installed.  Note that the barrel has a lid to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.  On the right, resident worker Luis Acosta prepares to water a few thirsty shrubs.

Our residents are taking advantage of the rain water.  Pictured below, Doris V. Jones resident Regina Feisley collects water to irrigate and feed the many beautiful plants that grow in her apartment.  She is a lifelong gardener.  She points out that “rain water is what God gave to us”.  Further she says “rain water is free of chemicals and contains the necessary nutrients so I don’t have to buy special fertilizers and plant food”.  She likes the idea of saving on water.

RAIN BARRELS…..SAVING RAIN FOR A SUNNY DAY!!!