Galveston Rain Barrel Workshop
Conserve Water -- Protect the Bay!
Sponsored By:
Welcome!
Please check in at the registration table.
Galveston Bay Watershed
Take the Pledge to Conserve Water!
Win some awesome prizes!
An Overview:
- Land area where water, sediment, and pollutants drain to a common water body - like a funnel
- Extends all the way north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, covers 27,000 sq miles
- Approximately half of the Texas population lives within the Galveston Bay watershed
- Freshwater inflows from San Jacinto and Trinity rivers, local bayous and creeks
Our actions affect the health of Galveston Bay
To enter, visit
www.gbwb.org/water-wise-bay-cities-challenge/
1. The Galveston Bay Watershed - how our actions affect Galveston Bay
2. Why Rain Barrels?
3. Take Action with GBF!
4. Rain Barrel Set-up
F
D
I
C
B
A
Adequate for Now
Overall Health: C
The Bay is faring well considering significant challenges
such as habitat acreage declines, pollution,
and the impacts of coastal change –
But we must act now to prevent facing a crisis in the future!
Galveston Bay Foundation
Our Mission
Protect Galveston Bay for generations to come
Our Vision
Our Programs
Restoration, Conservation,
Education
Why do we use rain barrels?
1. They help conserve water!
Freshwater is in high demand
Let's Play a Guessing Game...
1,800 Gallons
20 Gallons
1.82 Gallons
What are rain barrels?
- Houston gets its water from surface and groundwater
- Houston is required to get at least 70% of its water supply from surface water, and this number will continue to rise
This requirement will increasingly put stress on the economy, our city, and our Bay.
Only 3% of Earth's water
is freshwater.
Less than 1% of the world's freshwater is accessible for all life on Earth.
One 35-gallon rain barrel will save about 1,050 gallons of water per year!
So, how much water does one barrel save?
Other ways to conserve
Use Water Smart Irrigation!
Landscape with native plants
Don't Over-Water Your Grass!
- Shallow, frequent watering causes your grass to put down fewer, weaker roots; doesn't stabilize soil
- Over watering (deep, frequent) encourages the growth of fungus and diseases, and causes your grass to be less resilient
- When you water deeply and infrequently, your grass is healthiest, and produces the strongest root system
Get involved with your water utility
Encourage Proactive Water Conservation, NOT Reactive.
Ask for your city to implement outdoor irrigation water restrictions of no more than 2x per week:
- By 2060, this policy would save our region 62,348 acre-feet of water per year
- These water savings could avoid $200 million of infrastructure costs... or more
www.texaswaterconservationscorecard.org
Regulations and Rebates
Rain Barrel Uses
Rain Barrel Assembly
- Drought resistant practices cannot be banned, but can be restricted.
- Check with HOA and be mindful of aesthetics!
- Tax exemptions as of 2016!
Install Inflow Hose
Wash your car,
your dog,
your dirty feet
Water your garden
Water your yard
The Texas Legislature allows the exemption of part or all of the assessed
value of the property on which approved water conservation initiatives,
such as rainwater harvesting, are made (Texas Tax Code § 11.32).
Drill into flat surface
Don't forget sealant
Supply List
Rain Barrel Care
Just don't drink it or cook with it!
Not included:
Silicone sealant
Barrel Stand and Hose Height
*Your kit contains a manual with the full, detailed installation instructions.
Place on stand before measuring
- Keep gutters clean from debris
- Clean periodically, rinse barrel with 3% bleach/water solution
- After the first flush following a prolonged dry period, don't use the water
Diverter goes on 3-inch side of the gutter
Mosquito Prevention
Install Tap/Spigot at Bottom
Install Flow Hose
Connecting Barrels
Rain barrels are a
low impact development practice.
Rain Barrel Placement
How to Prep Your Barrel
- Use water regularly
- Place mosquito dunks once a month or as needed
- Use 1/4 cup of vegetable oil once a week or after each storm
- Use 1 TBSP dish soap once a week or after each storm
Drill into flat surface
Don't forget sealant!
- An alternative stormwater management system that works with the natural hydrology of a watershed
- Using rain barrels fits into the larger picture of sustainable living - actions that benefit the health of Galveston Bay!
*Drill into 3-inch side of gutter
Choose a downspout
- Drains to concrete
- Near plants to water
- 2”x3” or 3”x4” (standard)
Hose allows 3 ft. distance
Place on level ground
- Wood, pavers, stones stacked 2 or 3 high
- Elevate to increase gravity feed (6 inches)
No Gutters? No Problem!
Kaitlin Grable -
Water Quality Outreach Coordinator
- Clean barrel with vinegar water solution (½ c vinegar, ¼ c baking soda, ½ gallon water)
- Lightly sand with fine, sand paper (900-1200 grit)
- Prime with plastic spray primer (1 can)
- Apply solid color base coat (2-3 cans)
- Paint designs using acrylic paints
- Apply two coats of clear protective finish (1 can)
- Krylon Fusion – WalMart or Sears
Rain Chains
- Install with an open top barrel
- Screen to prevent mosquitoes
- Purchase pre-made or do it yourself!
http://www.ehow.com/how_6627003_use-rain-chain-having-gutters.html
Rain Saucers
www.rainsaucers.com
- Install your first barrel
- Set your second barrel next to and equal level with the first
- Use the second hose to connect barrels near the top so the surplus will flow into the second
kgrable@galvbay.org
281-332-3381 x220
Where's your runoff?
How much runoff can we reduce?
Bacteria Pollution
This workshop:
46 rain barrels x 1,050 gallons/year = 48,300 gallons/year!
City of Houston (2010):
892,646 SFHU x 1,050 gallons = 93.7 million gallons/year!
GBF Rain Barrel Photo Contest
- Affects Economics
- Affects Tourism
- Affects the Environment
Why else do we use rain barrels?
Submit photos to kgrable@galvbay.org by April 15:
- Barrel must be painted and properly installed to qualify
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive a prize!
Urban vs Natural Landscape
What goes down the storm drain...
Go to www.galvbay.org/rainbarrel to see past winners!
Bacteria levels spike after periods of rain.
2. They help reduce stormwater runoff and flooding!
Reducing stormwater runoff reduces bacteria being introduced into the Bay.