I consider myself environmentally friendly and always looking for ways to save money, help the environment, and learn a new hobby. Recently, I learned about the importance of protecting our Intrenchment creeks and American Rivers. As I researched these topics, I discovered that our water systems are becoming heavily populated, and city sewer/drainage systems aren’t as safe as you would think. Shocking, I know, but not really!!
Improving my community intrigued me, and through some neighborhood connections, I was asked to sit as the training and education Committee Chair for Intrenchment Creek Community Stewardship Council. Unfortunately, due to school and starting a new job, I had to step down as chair (bummer). On the bright side, I did sign up for a leadership training cohort with the Atlanta Watershed Learning Network, which educates and empowers citizens to gain Power through Environmental knowledge and Social Justice. Through this training, I learned about installing Rain Barrels and why every household should have one. As part of this learning network, I had to conduct a final project that would positively impact and educate my community.
As I researched my neighborhood, I found the need to reduce flooding and provide cost-effective options for watering our landscaping (plants, yards, and gardens). Due to our broken sprinkling system, I thought it would be a great idea to install rain barrels throughout the community. The gears set in motion, and I begin to speak with my HOA leadership for approval. Fortunately, they agreed!!
First, I purchased two rain barrels from Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and learned how to install them myself. Look, I am on a budget!! Also, I found some free rain barrels through the Atlanta Watershed Learning Network. Sometimes the City would give out free barrels too, but COVID stopped a lot of their services. It sucks for the environment and those citizens trying to make a difference.
Look what I did (review picture below), I installed a rain barrel in my front yard. The plan is to install at least 10-15 barrels throughout my townhouse community. Wish me luck!!
Benefits of Rain Barrels:
- Save on your water bill. With cities increasing the cost of water consumption for drinking, bathing, and washing dishes, it becomes a waste to water your plants with that same water. If you are like me and have a city garden, you can save so much money by installing a rain catchment system. According to clearycompany.com, A typical gardener can save as much as 1,300 gallons of water during the growing season.
- Reduce flooding- Oftentimes, older neighborhoods or disenfranchised communities don’t have the green infrastructure to mitigate flooding. Installing rain barrels throughout your community can drastically reduce street flooding and clogged drainage systems.
- Reduce runoff pollution- If you are like me and live in Georgia, it’s like a bucket of water pouring down on you when it rains. During those torrential rainfalls, the runoff picks up the soil, fertilizer, plants, and trash and transfers them to other areas. Frequently, the runoff will push it down to the drainage system. This can either clog the drainage system or containment the ecosystem resulting in creeks, rivers, and oceans being steadily damaged.
- Enhance Plant and Soil Healthy- Instead of watering with drinking/tap water; it is beneficial to use rainwater for obvious reasons (IT COMES FROM THE EARTH). Also, rainwater is highly oxygenated and free of salts, fluoride, and other chemicals.
- Conserve Water- It is essential to store water for a rainy day (get it lol)!! With global warming and climate change (yes, those are real, follow science), there will be a chance of restrictive covenants of using city water to water plants and your garden.
Disclaimer: PLEASE DO NOT USE RAIN BARREL FOR DRINKING, COOKING OR BATHING
Southern Cooper 