RAIN BARRELS
Save the Rain for a Sunny Day!

What is a Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater that would otherwise be lost to runoff and likely diverted to a storm drain. Collected water may then be used to water lawns and gardens. Rainwater can be harvested in many ways. The catchment system that Cuyahoga SWCD uses is just one way to capture the rainwater for usage in your yard.

Why use a Rain Barrel?

WATER CONSERVATION
Approximately 60% of our municipal water supply goes directly to watering our lawns. By using rain barrels, you lessen the amount of water flowing into our storm drains, sewer systems, and ultimately local waterways. This water can then be used during hot or dry spells to water your garden.

PROTECTION OF LOCAL WATERSHEDS
Seventy million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns each year, contaminating storm water (rainwater) runoff. Fertilizers and pesticides are a primary source of water pollution. By collecting rainwater, you prevent that runoff from picking up and carrying these harmful pollutants into our local waterways.

NATURAL GARDENING
Using rainwater to water your garden in natural and healthy. Plants and beneficial microbes in the soil like rainwater because it is naturally soft - free of chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals.

How Do I Make and Install a Rain Barrel?
Click here for our handout on rain barrels which describes the system we use and how to build it/install it.

You can also attend one of our upcoming workshops which is sometimes and easier option because we get all the materials for you, have all the tools, and teach you how to make it.

Upcoming Rain Barrel Workshops

We will have the barrel, parts, tools and downspout diverter. You will make your own barrel (help is provided if necessary) to take home to use on your home.

Choose a date/time that works for you and call the appropriate number to register. We will send out a registration confirmation with directions to the location.

Cost for workshop is $60 (unless otherwise indicated).

Date	Location	Time	How to register	Notes
August 5	Independence Community Center (Independence)	6:00pm - 7:30pm	216/524-6580, ext 23	Event held in collaboration with the City of Independence
August 13	Don Umerley Civic Center (Rocky River)	6:00pm - 7:30pm	216/524-6580, ext 23	Event held in collaboration with the City of Rocky River
August 20	Brooklyn City Hall (Brooklyn)	6:00pm - 7:30pm	216/524-6580, ext. 23	Event held in collaboration with Friends of Big Creek
September 2	Garfield Heights City Hall (Garfield Heights)	6:00pm - 7:30pm	216/524-6580, ext. 22	Event held in collaboration with the City of Garfield Heights
September 22	Brooklyn Heights Park (Village of Brooklyn Heights)	6:00pm - 7:30pm	216/524-6580, ext. 22	Event held in collaboration with the Village of Brooklyn Heights

RAIN BARRELS Save the Rain for a Sunny Day!

RAIN BARRELS
Save the Rain for a Sunny Day!