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Think green … Rain barrels

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. Rainwater can be harvested!. Source: Plow and Hearth. Why do we care?. Water is a finite resource

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Think green … Rain barrels

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  1. Think green…Rain barrels

  2. What do these things have in common?

  3. What do these things have in common?

  4. What do these things have in common?

  5. Source: Plow and Hearth

  6. Rainwater can be harvested! Source: Plow and Hearth

  7. Why do we care? Water is a finite resource Rainwater is a practically free source of water Using rainwater decreases the need for treated tap water Harvested rainwater can be used during drought periods Rain barrels can help control stormwater on your property Controlling rainwater mitigates stormwater runoff impacts Rainwater is easily collected and stored

  8. Why do we care?Water is a finite resource.

  9. Why do we care?Rainwater is free for the taking!

  10. 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

  11. The larger the roof… The more rainwater collected!

  12. Why do we care?Decreases the need for treated tap water.

  13. Drought in Oklahoma: 1933-37: Dust Bowl 1995-96: 700,000 acres damaged in 30 western counties Were you affected? Why do we care?Drought and water rationing.

  14. Why do we care?Control stormwater on your property

  15. Why do we care?Stormwater runoff impacts

  16. Koolatron RTS Home Accents Allgreen Why do we care?Rainwater is easily collected and stored! Suncast Source: Amazon.com

  17. What we can do: Rain barrels Source: composters.com Low cost Efficient Energy saving Eco-friendly Proactive

  18. Now that you’re convinced …Let’s get started!

  19. Where To Begin? Start with your Home and Landscape

  20. Where To Begin? Cleanliness Maintenance Improvement Making your home environment a priority…

  21. Maintenance:Make sure your home is in “shape”

  22. Maintenance:Manage from the roof down

  23. Maintenance:Evaluate your home!

  24. Improvement:Prep the site for your rain barrel!

  25. Build a Platform for Barrel

  26. Elevate barrel to ensure water pressure.

  27. Word of caution… 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!

  28. Components of a rain barrel Catchment Area Conveyance System Storage Tank Filtration Water Distribution

  29. 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

  30. Conveyance System Source: 2nd Green Revolution • Transport water into storage tank • Gutters are ideal

  31. Storage Tank • Storage tanks are made from a variety of materials • Plastic • Fiberglass • Concrete • Metal • Wood

  32. 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

  33. Water Distribution • Getting the water to the right place is the final step • Release through the spout • Low water pressure • Watering can • Soaker hose • Garden hose • Greater water level the better the water pressure

  34. Where can I find a rain barrel?

  35. Can I make my own rain barrel? Rain barrel videos http://www.youtube.com/oklahomagardening#p/search/1/FeRO2MnH79M

  36. Making your own ? Choose a Barrel: If recycling, make sure your storage tank did not to store hazardous chemicals… this could be dangerous!

  37. 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

  38. Making your own Install the Outlet: Drill hole near bottom of barrel Insert the spigot halfway, line up threads Seal the spigot with a sealant

  39. 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 barrel You may choose to use a downspout extender to connect the downspout to the barrel

  40. Making your own Cut Barrel Opening: Cut an opening in the lid for downspout to drain in the barrel Make certain that the downspout aligns with opening

  41. FAQ’s Do I need a permit? How do I maintain A rain barrel? What if we get too much rain? What about mosquitoes? Will my rain barrel tip over? Is harvested rainwater safe?

  42. FAQ: Do I need a permit? Check with homeowner’s association guidelines!

  43. FAQ: How do I maintain my rain barrel? Check on your barrel from time to time as you do yard work!

  44. FAQ: What if we get too much rain? Your barrel will allow overflow.

  45. Abundant Water Multi-system of rain barrels Source: Sky-bolt.com 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.

  46. FAQ: What about mosquitoes? Know your model!For example, this one has a screen. Amazon.com RTS Home Accents

  47. FAQ: What about mosquitoes? Make sure gutters are clean and working to prevent standing water! Amazon.com Madison Rain Catcher

  48. FAQ: Will my barrel tip over? When full, a 50 gallon rain barrel will weigh around 400 pounds.

  49. FAQ: Will my barrel tip over? Winter time considerations…

  50. FAQ: Using Rain Barrel Water

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