This summer, Henrico County residents have experienced one of the most significant droughts in years, and many are looking for ways to conserve natural resources. When it comes to landscaping and gardening, homeowners may struggle to keep up with watering, especially when temperatures continue to soar and rainstorms can be few and far between. Even in times of average rainfall, advocates recommend being good stewards of the environment and using water resources responsibly.
To help meet this challenge, rain barrels can be an effective resource for capturing and reusing water that runs off residential and commercial buildings during rainstorms. One inch of rainfall can provide up to 600 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of roof.
That means that the average rain barrel can fill up quickly, giving users a free, natural resource for their external water needs.
“There are many benefits to using free rainwater for your landscaping,” said Steve Yob, deputy county manager for Community Operations. “Drinking water is pumped from the river, treated with chemicals, filtered to remove sediment, disinfected, tested and then pumped through pipes and tanks to get to your house. Free rainwater eliminates all these uses of energy and resources, and your plants will be all the happier for it.”
Rainwater can be used for vegetable gardens, flower beds, trees, shrubs and even bird baths.
Collecting stormwater can be a great way to help the environment by tapping into a natural resource that doesn’t impact the water supply. Plus, harvesting water in rain barrels can help slow stormwater runoff that can cause soil erosion.
In addition, captured rainwater can be used to offset watering needs in times of moderate to severe drought, regardless of potential usage restrictions.
“I’ve used water from my rain barrels for years,” said Geoff Weidele, a resident of Henrico and member of Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team. “It feels good to tap into this resource knowing it can help minimize my impact on the environment.”
Mosquito control should be considered while using rain barrels. Mosquitoes breed in standing water but can be deterred by screening a barrel’s openings and by using non-chemical mosquito dunk products.
Pre-made rain barrels and build-it-yourself kits can be purchased online and at local retailers.
To help jumpstart your rainwater capturing, the James River Association will hold a rain barrel workshop at North Park Branch Library on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. Registration is $50. More information can be found on the Henrico County Public Library website.