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RAINBARREL INFO
Earthcare holds a rainbarrel drive and education program in Vernon. |
Our devoted rainbarrel artist, Marion, stands beside a piece of her work |
Katimavik Volunteers Evan and Philippe, having made a large batch of Rainbarrels. |
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SPECIFICATIONS
- One Piece Sealed Plastic Drum
- Size: 35” H by 23” W ( 88cm by 59cm)
- Volume: 45 Imperial Gallons (~217 L)
- Weight: (empty) 23 LBS (10.2 kg)
- Composition: Food-Grade FDA Approved Quality, High Density Polyethylene (plastic), UV protected
- Usage: To catch and store rainwater, for garden watering, washing cars, and other outdoor uses.
Features Attractive, durable, blue* or clear* recycled barrel.
Two bungs in top for water entry, spigot near base to attach a hose, and overflow outlet near barrel top.
Barrels are easily connected in series to other barrels
Warranty: One year
Click
here to view the Capital News story.
HARVEST RAINWATER WITH A WATERSHED RAINBARREL
Promoting an alternate, sustainable source of water
(Audrey
Gregory bought Former katimavik volunteer
Camille's
painted rainbarrel on
Sunday April 9th. )
WHY USE A RAINBARREL?
Storing rainwater has many benefits and rewards. It:
Is free water! Easy on the water bill and you can use it whenever you want
Is chlorine free- and naturally soft - which is great for plants
Is simple, and inexpensive
Decreases the use of treated tap water
Promotes environmental sustainability
Reduces storm water runoff and erosion
Increases awareness of the value of water
Is an ancient technique that applies to today’s water conservation ethic
Collects water over and over, every time it rains
Can connect to a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for garden watering
Diverts roof runoff water away from the house
WHAT IS A WATERSHED RAINBARREL?
It is a rainwater storage system that collects rain from a roof. Each part of a slanting roof ‘sheds’ water, and the roof catchment area that drains to a downspout is the ‘watershed’. Roof runoff is then intercepted at the downspout and guided into a barrel, thereby ‘harvesting’ the rainwater. The water is stored safely for immediate or later use on gardens, shrubs, for drip irrigation, or washing cars.
THE WATERSHED BARREL IS SAFE
It has a sealed design, to keep children and mosquitoes out
All parts guaranteed for one year
It is a recycled barrel previously used for soap, drink concentrate (food-grade quality).
**Note: Water that runs off the roof may pick up contaminants. Although great for plants, water may not be fit for human consumption. Please do not drink rainwater unless you test it first. Also, do not attempt to lift a partly full or full barrel.**
HOW TO USE THE WATERSHED RAINBARREL
There are simple steps to prepare your rainbarrel. .
The vertical barrel
First, ensure land is flat and level at a downspout for your barrel. Remember, when full, the barrel will weigh about 400lbs.
Place the barrel onto a 8” high wood or block platform under the downspout. This will allow enough height to place a watering can at the spigot near the bottom of the barrel, and to connect a hose or irrigation system. Two cinder blocks cost about $1.50 each and are strong enough to support a full rainbarrel.
If not already installed, thread the spigot into the pre-drilled hole near the base of the barrel. Do not use excessive force- hand-tighten only!
Now, mark the appropriate height to cut the downspout for water to enter the barrel. Use tin snips or a jigsaw and gloves. Connect the downspout direct into the barrel or choose from a variety of downspout attachments available at hardware stores. For cleaner water, remove debris and leaves from roof gutters first and install a filter in the downspout (available at any hardware store).
Remove one of the top bungs and direct the downspout over the opening. (see photo) Place a screen over the hole to prevent mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs.
Slip a drain hose to the overflow tube at the top of the barrel (i.e. to transport overflow water away from the barrel and house).
Optionally, link barrels together (“daisy-chain”) to increase water storage.(see photo)
Connect a soaker hose at the lower faucet to the garden.
You are now ready to use the barrel over and over, for many years!
Try the horizontal barrel
Lay the barrel horizontally on a bench, table or cradle. Try four cinder blocks (see photo).
Raise the back end slightly to allow water to drain freely out the ‘top’ of the barrel.
Guide rainwater from the downspout or another barrel to enter the pre-drilled hole for the spigot of the ‘vertical’ barrel.
Next, install a ‘horizontal’ spigot into the ‘deep’ bung in the barrel top. Water exits the spigot, same as the vertical barrel.
That’s it! You are ready to use your horizontal rainbarrel.
OPTIONAL
Connect your barrel to the downspout using the Watersaver.
Kit Content Includes:
* Water Diverter Unit
* 7’ (2.1 m) hose tubing
* Deactivating Plug (see below)
* Fastening Screws
I* nstallation instructions
Link barrels together ( connector kits).
1’ to 2’ Hose for lower faucet .
Rainsaver connector
Rainsaver connector
WINTER
Barrels are tough and can withstand some cold temperatures. However, we recommend at freezing temperatures to drain all water from the barrels and open the spigot. Refill barrels during snowmelt and rainfalls.
Canadian EarthCare Society
Street Address:
702 Bernard St.
Kelowna, BC
V1Y6P5
E-mail: info@earthcares.org
| Volunteer? | ||
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The Canadian EarthCare Society is always looking for community concious individuals who would like to do more to help. Volunteers are a big part of our organization. If you feel you fit this bill then we encourage you to please fill out our volunteer application... |
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