Wauseon, OH, March 10, 2014: A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for you when you need it most—during period of drought-to water plants, wash your car, or to top off a swimming pool.
It supplies loads of free “soft water” to homeowners, containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flower pots, and car and window washing. A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water not only helps protect the environment, it saves you money and energy (decreased demand for treated tap water). Diverting water from storm drains also decreases the impact of runoff to streams. Therefore, a rain barrel is an easy way for you to a have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, FREE.
The Fulton Soil & Water Conservation District (Fulton SWCD) is now offering rain barrels for purchase. The rain barrels are re-used food grade 55 to 60 gallon barrels made with a hose connector, linking hose connector, and overflow connection. The top of the barrel has a screen in the top to catch leaves and insects. Stop in at the Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District at 8770 State Route 108, Suite B, Wauseon, across from the fairgrounds, to see the rain barrel on display. You can download an order form for a rain barrel (it’s part of the tree & fish order form) at swcd.fultoncountyoh.com. You can see all the services the Fulton SWCD has to offer at this website or call them at 419-337-9217.