• By Rachel Herring
• Posted Thursday, September 3, 2009

How to Build and Install a Rain Barrel

Using rain barrels is a great way for homeowners to water gardens, potted plants, flower beds and other areas around the home. Did you know that every inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet yields 625 gallons of water? During a rain, roofs act as large funnels, channeling hundreds of gallons of water through gutters and downspouts, and eventually onto pavement. As the water travels, it picks up debris, oil and other pollutants, dumping them into our waterways.

Cooperative Extension of Forsyth County and the Town of Kernersville are offering a Rain Barrel Workshop on September 10th from 3pm -4:30pm and September 16th from 10am-11:30am in the Kernersville Senior Center, 130 East Mountain St.

The workshop is free to observers. You will learn the basics of rain barrels and cisterns, local sources for purchasing and adapting your own barrel, common problems with installations, maintenance needs, and considerations for additions.

For additional information, contact Wendi Hartup at 336-703-2850