Rain Barrel

The Philadelphia Water Department offers a really convenient, free way to obtain a rain barrel. To obtain one, a person has to go to one of their Rain Barrel Workshops. These workshops are offered to Philadelphia residents living in watersheds with the intention to reduce stormwater flow into the sewer system and creeks. Walnut Hill is located in a Philadelphia watershed, so this is the perfect way for them to obtain a rain barrel. At the workshop, one is instructed on what a rain barrel is, why one would want a rain barrel, and how one can obtain a free one.

Some of the highlights of the workshop are as follows. A rain barrel is a storage container that collects rain water from downspouts. They consist of a container with lid, a system to divert water into the barrel and away from a building, a screen to filter debris, and a spigot to attach a hose for use. Rain barrels have two main purposes. First, the water stored can be used for gardening, washing, lawn watering, etc.: exactly what Walnut Hill needs. Also, rain barrels help the environment by reducing storm runoff into the rivers and sewer. This improves the overall health of the environment and helps reduce backups in the sewers. To obtain a rain barrel, one must attend a rain barrel workshop. There, the Philadelphia Water Department will instruct on the proper installation and use of a rain barrel. Now, there is a limit of one barrel per household, but Walnut Hill could possibly work out a deal with the Department since they are a community farm.

Here is the link to the program. Dates of upcoming workshops will be posted there.
http://www.phillywatersheds.org/whats_in_it_for_you/residents/rainbarrel