Rain barrels are a safe and reliable way to collect and store rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. They provide a free source of water to homeowners for outdoor uses such as lawn and garden watering which can make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need it most - during periods of drought. Saving water not only helps protect the environment, it saves you money and energy (decreased demand for treated tap water). Diverting water from storm drains also decreases the impact of runoff to streams.
The Borough of Mechanicsburg and its Environmental Advisory Council hosted an evening workshop in July to help 18 area residents assemble their own rain barrels. Presented by the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Cumberland County Conservation District, the workshop provided all of the components and tools for participants to assemble a rain barrel for their home use. Using 55 gallon barrels that originally stored pickles for transportation and off-the-shelf plumbing and hardware items, eighteen participants completed most of the rain barrel assembly during the evening.
For additional information about rain barrels and building your own rain barrel as well as other tips to save household water visit: http://www.cumberlandcd.com/rainbarrel.html
Area Residents Learn to Assemble their own Rain Barrel at a Borough Sponsored Workshop