think green… rain barrels. what do these things have in common?
TRANSCRIPT
Think green…Rain barrels
What do these things have in common?
What do these things have in common?
What do these things have in common?
Source: Plow and Hearth
Source: Plow and Hearth
Rainwater can be harvested!
Why do we care?
1. Water is a finite resource2. Rainwater is a practically free source of water3. Using rainwater decreases the need for treated
tap water4. Harvested rainwater can be used during drought
periods5. Rain barrels can help control stormwater on your
property6. Controlling rainwater mitigates stormwater runoff
impacts7. 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:
1933-37: Dust Bowl
1995-96: 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 costEfficientEnergy savingEco-friendlyProactive
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”
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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 AREACONVEYANCE SYSTEM
STORAGE TANKFILTRATION
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: 2nd 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 spoutLow 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?
http://www.youtube.com/oklahomagardening#p/search/1/FeRO2MnH79M
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
Making your own
Install the Outlet:Drill hole near bottom of barrelInsert the spigot halfway, line up threadsSeal 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 barrelYou 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 barrelMake 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 AB OUT 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
http://www.40gallonchallenge.org/
References
DeBusk, K., Hunt, W. F., Osmond, D. L., & Cope, G. W. (2009). Water quality of rooftop runoff. Retrieved February, 2011, from http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/PublicationFiles/RooftopRunoff2009.pdf
Jones, M. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2008). Rainwater harvesting: Guidance for homeowners. Retrieved February, 2011, from http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/agpubs/WaterHarvestHome2008.pdf
Jones, M. P., & Hunt, W. F. (2010). Performance of rainwater harvesting systems in the Southeastern United States. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(10), 623-629.
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 http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/gardening/features/3715486.html
University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension. (2008). Safe use of rain barrel water in the vegetable garden. from http://www.uri.edu/ce/healthylandscapes/Rain%20barrel%20bro.pdf
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). How can I make a rain barrel? Retrieved February, 2011, from http://www.epa.gov/region3/p2/make-rainbarrel.pdf
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Rain barrels. Retrieved February, 2011, from http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/garden/rainbarrel.html
US Environmental Protection Agency: Region 3. (2009). What is a rain barrel? Retrieved February, 2011, from http://www.epa.gov/Region3/p2/what-is-rainbarrel.pdf
Washington State University. (n.d.). Build your own rain barrel. Retrieved February, 2011, from http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/pdfs/rainbarrels.pdf
Watson, G. (n.d.). Rain barrels: A homeowner's guide. Retrieved February, 2011, from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/publications/files/rain_barrels_guide.pdf