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Yard & Landscaping

Rain Barrels

A downspout that leads from the roof of a house to a hard surface like a driveway or sidewalk is essentially an HOV lane to the storm drain.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Rainwater hits the roof and collects pollutants and debris on its way to the gutter. After being channeled to the downspout, it often shoots out onto a hard surface which usually leads to a storm drain and results in polluted water.
  • This can be prevented by installing a rain barrel on your downspout. The collected rainwater can then be used at your convenience to water plants, wash your car, and more.
  • You’ll also save money by reusing rainwater instead of water from your tap.

GOOD TO DO

Making

Use water captured in a rain barrel to:

  • Fill a watering can and water your plants — or — connect a soaker hose to the barrel’s spigot.
  • Rinse off gardening and yard tools
  • Wash your car
  • Keep your compost bin moist

Maintenance

  • When temperatures reach freezing, winterize your rain barrel.
    • Remove the plug, open the valve and drain as much water as possible.
    • Dump any remaining water into a grassy area, then clean dirt and debris from the bottom of the barrel.
    • Store the barrel indoors or flip it upside down to keep out water that could freeze and damage the barrel.

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We live in a beautiful region surrounded by water. It impacts everything from the food we eat to the fun we have as well as our economic livelihood. Our daily actions have a lasting impact and it's up to us to protect and restore our waterways. It takes a community of individuals making small changes to make a difference. Getting involved in the Bay Star programs is one way you can be part of the effort to protect our region's most defining natural resource, water.

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