Snyder County Rain Barrel Workshop Jason Winey Watershed specialist Snyder County Conservation District

“This workshop has been partially funded by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund under a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.”

Workshop Agenda Rainbarrel DO’s Rainbarrel DONT’S Rainbarrel Myths Rainbarrel Benefits Rainbarrel Construction Tips and Secrets

Rainbarrel DO’s Water Lawn Water Garden Wash Car Cleaning Windows and House

Rainbarrel Don’ts Do not drink the water without testing it. Do not use the water for cooking or bathing.

Rainbarrel 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.

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

Rainbarrel 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

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 Link Barrels

Rainbarrel 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.

Rainbarrel Benefits Outdoor watering can account for up to 30% of annual water bill. Save money by using rainbarrel. Using less treated water can reduce demand on water treatment facilities. Using non-chlorinated water will be better for gardens and lawns.

Rainbarrel Benefits Helps natural groundwater recharge. Reduces water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, and nutrients. Easy and Inexpensive to build and install.

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

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.

Rainbarrel Construction: How to get Water IN I like to make things easy… Cut a hole… 4” Diameter if using an atrium grate.

Rainbarrel Construction: How to get Water OUT I told you I like to make things easy. Drill another hole… ¾” bit if using the fittings that we used. Screw in fitting using silicone to seal.

Rainbarrel Construction: What to do with the EXCESS water. Its really this easy… Drill another hole. ¾” apply silicone and screw

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.

“This workshop has been partially funded by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund under a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.”

Any Questions?