(Chelsea Update would like to thank Dennis Rice for the information in this story.)
Using a rain barrel can save you money and benefit your garden and landscaping by taking advantage of a resource you may not have thought of before – rain water.
Rain barrels collect and store rain water from roof areas that would otherwise be lost as runoff to storm drains and streams. Water stored in a rain barrel can be used for such things as watering flowers, gardens, trees and shrubs, rinsing tools or muddy boots. Use of rain barrels conserves water resources and reduces the amount of water used from municipal water supplies.
A rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water not only helps protect the environment, it also saves you money because of decreased demand for treated municipal water for plant watering. Rain water is also naturally better for plants and gardens as it is soft water, devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals. Plants respond better to rain water than municipal or well water.
The Washtenaw County Conservation District offers rain barrels for sale which are made from recycled, food-grade plastic barrels. They are 55-gallon size in black, grey and terra cotta colors.
The District also offers tumbling composters, also made from recycled food-grade
plastic 55-gallon barrels. The composters only require a 3 foot by 4 foot area, so they are ideal for a location with limited space.
They are low maintenance, fully-enclosed and reduce odor problems by controlling moisture and aeration.
Rain barrels and composters are available for purchase year around.
A limited stock of rain barrels and composters are available, but if what you want is not on hand, they are generally available in two to three weeks.
Order forms and additional information about both the rain barrels and composters is available on the District web site at www.washtenawcd.org. Click on “Rain Barrels” or “Composters” under the “Products” tab on the home page. Rain barrels and composters can also be ordered on-line through the District website.
For more information about the Washtenaw County Conservation District, or its other programs and services contact the District office, 7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Phone: 734-761-6721 ext. 5. Or visit the District web site at: www.washtenawcd.org.
