Homeowners who have roof gutters can save rain water for watering their outdoor plants and shrubs.  Rain barrels can reduce summer watering costs, direct water away from the base of the home and reduce the amount of water run-off into storm sewers.  According to the Maryland Environmental Design Program, a single 55 gallon rain barrel can provide homeowners access to about 1,300 gallons of free water a year.  Rain barrels can be purchased commercially for $100 and up.  People with some basic skills can get instructions on the Internet to construct their own for under $50.  Buckets, hoses, or soaker hoses can be used to take advantage of rain barrel water.

When looking for rain barrels, be sure that they have a secured top for safety purposes, a system to handle overflow during downpours, a method to handle leaves, branches, etc. and a system that prevents them from becoming mosquito breeding grounds.  In addition, most home owners will want to consider ways to decorate their rain barrels or make them blend into their landscaping and will have to have plans for storing them in the winter.

Action options might include:

 

• Find someone locally who would produce barrels at a reasonable price.  (Patent issues would need to be addressed, but local production would be a beneficial first choice.)

• Work with local high schools or the Tech to produce and sell rain barrels at cost (Patent issue again) or work with local businesses to stock and sell.

• Locate insured contractors or handy-person willing to do installations.

• Pick a neighborhood and use as a model.

A simple water use challenge to home owners: Place a bucket under the faucet when you start running water to get hot water to see how much you are sending down the drain.  Figure out ways that you could use that wasted water more efficiently.