Rain barrels catch and conserve water Rainwater harvesting can
reduce flooding and erosion issues, as well as surface-water
contamination, by slowing down and decreasing the volume of
stormwater runoff. One way to harvest rainwater is by using a
catchment technique such as rain barrels. Rain barrels are often
set up to collect rain running off a roof into a gutter and
downspout. A typical barrel holds 60 gallons and is fitted with
a valve for filling a watering can, feeding a drip irrigation
system, or serving as part of a rain garden system. In June, the
Wells Reserve and SD Analysis hosted the American Rainwater
Catchment Systems Association workshop and accreditation course.
As part of the course, participants installed a rain barrel at
the Alheim Commons, using runoff from the bike shed to fill a
barrel in the community garden. The Wells Reserve sponsors a
program that subsidizes the production and installation of rain
barrels. Field observations of the installed systems will be
used to improve the effect