Did you know that one inch
of rain collected from a 1,000 square foot roof equals 623 gallons
of water that can be used to water your household plants and garden?
Or wash your car? With the cost of municipal water on the rise,
installing a rain barrel at your home is a cost effective way to
water your plants or wash your car. In addition to the economical
and environmental benefits, the installation of a rain barrel helps
to ease the growing problem of contaminated stormwater runoff.
In conjunction with the Westchester County Department of Planning
Stormwater Education Initiative, the Town/Village of Harrison has
installed a rain barrel at the Main Branch of the Harrison Library
on Bruce Avenue. Since its installation earlier this year, this
rainwater has been used to water plants around the Library and
Municipal Building.
Your next question may be, “How do I begin?” Simple collection
systems involve redirecting rainwater, via a flexible hose or pipe,
from your roof gutters to a large barrel. The barrel has a spigot
installed near the bottom and an overflow drain used to direct
excess water away from your foundation. There are a few more things
to remember. Your rain barrel should have a tight fitting, light
blocking lid and screen to prevent leaves, bugs, etc. from getting
into your water. The barrel should be placed on a platform to
prevent water from collecting around it.
Barrels can be purchased or made. Directions can found at local
home centers and on the internet.
So the next time there is a drought restriction and your lawn and
garden are still vibrant and colorful, you can thank the raindrops
that fell on your roof.
