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?