Cost-share available for rain barrels in Indian Springs Pond Watershed

Free water is available through the use of rain barrels that can be used to collect and store rain water. The concept has been around for hundreds of years and works by capturing run-off from a building’s roof using the gutter and downspout system.
A typical house has a roof area of 1,200 square feet and four downspouts. According to calculations, a three-tenths of an inch rainfall would fill a 55-gallon barrel at one of the house's downspouts. Barrels can be connected together so that even more rainfall is captured during heavier rains.
Advantage of purchasing a rain barrel include reducing water bills by using the free and chlorine-free water from a rain barrel to water gardens and fill bird baths. However, the water is not meant to be used as drinking water.
Rain barrels also reduce the volume of water running off lawns to the storm sewers. By reducing run-off, there is a reduction in the velocity of water and the amount of pollutants entering local streams. A hose can be connected to the overflow valve so that excess water is carried away from the building’s foundation, which could reduce the likelihood of getting water in the basement.
Rain barrels can be purchased locally or made from 55-gallon barrels and a few hardware pieces. Those who live in the Indian Springs Pond Watershed are eligible to receive 75% cost-share.
Contact the Allamakee County Soil and Water Conservation District at 563-568-2246 if interested in the rain barrel cost-share or to have questions answered about rain barrels. Or stop by the NRCS/SWCD office, located at 635 Ninth Street NW in Waukon, to look at an example of a rain barrel.