As you head out to celebrate Hampton Bay Days this weekend, remember that there are simple things we can all do to prevent pollution from ‘raining’ on the Chesapeake Bay’s parade.
A rain barrel is a wonderful low impact development project that is easy to install and has a major impact on water quality and nuisance flooding in the Hampton Roads area.
Did you know that the rainwater runoff from your roof is filled with harmful pollutants? Those pesky pollutants that consist of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and other harmful toxins flow into the storm drains and enter our waterways. Once they enter our waterways, they end up flowing directly into the Chesapeake Bay.
Also, a rain barrel holds an average of 55 gallons of water. Trapping 55 gallons of water is not only beneficial to the Chesapeake Bay but also, your wallet. By going green, you can keep your water bill lean. Once filtered, the rainwater collected in the rain barrel does not contain calcium, chlorine or lime which makes it perfect for washing your car and windows; watering your plants and gardens; watering your lawn during a drought and you could even go as far to use the rainwater to flush your toilets. You will be saving yourself barrels of money.
Who would have thought that a 55 gallon drum could become so useful? Install a rain barrel at your home and you will become the ‘raining’ champ for stormwater management.
And don’t forget…there is so much to gain when you collect the rain.
This blog post was submitted by Diana Cheatham, Norfolk Emerging Leader intern.