Still Time To Get A Rain Barrel!

With all the recent rains, water supply does not seem to be a problem. However, in central Indiana, some folks are remembering that last summer there were concerns about rationing water in the dry times. Mark Kautz, Chair of the local Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) says, "Those who remembered last year's rationing, probably helped increase participation in our first SWCD rain barrel sale. The SWCD sold over 100 rain barrels at their spring sale. With that level of interest and the fact our office is still getting calls from folks asking about rain barrels, the District has decided to continue their rain barrel sale throughout the year. However, those interested are encouraged to get their orders in now before the dry season gets here!"

A rain barrel (around 55 gallons in size) collects and stores free rainwater from a roof that would otherwise runoff and be diverted to storm drain or a stream. Rain barrels are connected to a home's downspouts. Homeowners collect the water and use it later, when it is needed for lawn or flowers. Rain barrels can help reduce a homeowner's monthly water bills in the summer! The Marion County SWCD is recycling former plastic food barrels so you can have a rain barrel at a very reasonable cost of $100 each, including sales tax. The system is sealed, so mosquitoes are not a problem. To order a rain barrel and a water saver kit with all the parts to create their own system (minimal assembly required) interested individuals are encouraged to complete a SWCD order form and send it in with payment to the Marion County SWCD. Rain water is not to be used for personal consumption.

To get more details and an order form from the District, individuals should visit the SWCD's web site at www.marionswcd.org or contact the SWCD office at 317-786-1776. A rain barrel fact sheet is also available on the web or from the office. The District can not guarantee the color of the rain barrel. However, new paints especially designed for plastic surfaces, are available in almost any color needed from a local home building supply provider. Individuals are encouraged to check with their homeowners' organization as appropriate to make sure they are complying with their local community codes and requirements. Orders need to be sent in, and the District will inform the participant when their barrel is available for pick up at the SWCD office located at 6960 S. Gray Rd, Suite C, Indianapolis, IN 46237 (just west of the Southport exit off I-65 South). The District also has instructions with a list of parts for people to make their own rain barrel. The SWCD is also providing its "Water Saver Automatic Rain Water Collection kit for $30 each. Individuals can visit the office to see these items.