It is very wet outside, which is typical of New England springs. Indeed, most of our annual precipitation comes between late fall and mid-spring. Unfortunately, these are also points in the year when temperatures are lower and plants are either going dormant or just waking up. That means that much of spring precipitation ends up as stormwater run-off, washing directly into waterways.
During this time of year, when the groundwater is adequately charged and hot sunny days are rare, communities can help reduce flooding and stormwater pollution from their own homes.
Rain barrels, bioswales, rain gardens and dry streams/wells are all great options for soaking up the rain. They both mitigate flooding, either by capturing rain or helping it absorb more easily into the ground, and aid in water conservation. Bioswales, rain gardens and dry streams help replenish groundwater, and require little to no additional watering during drier months. Rain barrels collect and store rain water to be used when conditions are drier.
Rain water is free, healthy, has no chlorine, fluoride or other chemicals. It is an excellent water source for plants, gardens, lawns and any non-potable use. Regular use of a rain barrel can pay for itself in one season. One tenth of an inch of rain on a 1000 square foot roof—about 25 minutes of moderate rainfall—will fill a 60-gallon rain barrel.
Recently, we hosted a Rain Barrel Workshop where participants transformed barrels donated from True North Brewery, Ipswich Ale and Emily’s Skin Soothers into rain barrels using kits provided by the River Network. Another workshop will be held in July, date to be determined.
The Greenscapes Coalition has chosen to work with the Great American Rain Barrel Co. to provide rain barrels at the discounted rate of $69. The barrels can be purchased on the Greenscapes website, www.greenscapes.org. Deadline for purchase is June 16th, midnight.
Barrels will be available for pick up on June 22nd 10 am – 12 noon at our Riverbend Headquarters, 143 County Road, Ipswich, MA.
For more information , visit www.greenscapes.org.
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