The Watershed Improvement Branch of the WV DEP has Basin Coordinators that work with local organizations, like stormwater utilities and watershed groups, to offer stormwater education workshops. These workshops often include instructions on how to install a rain barrel to help diminish stormwater pollution in close creeks, streams, and rivers. By installing a rain barrel, citizens can do their part in reducing nonpoint source pollution from their own property; another easy option is to install a rain garden.
Benefits
A Emergency Barrel is a great way to be more efficient with water usage and help the environment. When installed and maintained properly, rain barrels offer many benefits, such as:
- Creating a private water source
- Collected rainwater is preferred by plants
- Reducing stormwater runoff pollution
- Contributing to erosion prevention efforts
- Controlling moisture levels around the foundation of your home
- Reducing your water and sewer bills
- Allowing you to be an environmental steward in your community
- Controlled releases can recharge groundwater storage and maintain fresh water in your barrel
Other Ways to Reduce Stormwater Pollution
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens, also known as bioretention cells, are an attractive way to manage stormwater runoff on your property. A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that can range from a few inches to several feet deep, depending on the size of the area that drains into it. The depression is filled with an engineered soil mixture that allows water to percolate quickly. The garden is then planted with shrubs and flowers that can absorb the stormwater. (kaieteurnewsonline.com)
Rain gardens, also known as bioretention cells, are an attractive way to manage stormwater runoff on your property. A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground that can range from a few inches to several feet deep, depending on the size of the area that drains into it. The depression is filled with an engineered soil mixture that allows water to percolate quickly. The garden is then planted with shrubs and flowers that can absorb the stormwater.
A rain barrel is a rainwater collection system that is used to divert water into the barrel through a connection in the downspout. The rain that is collected can be used for a variety of purposes, such as watering plants, washing cars, and more.
This water often contains trace minerals which are highly beneficial to plants and come at no cost to consumers. Collecting rainwater can also help reduce stormwater runoff into streams via storm drains. Stormwater often carries pollutants like pesticides, litter, bacteria, and fertilizers?by reducing the amount of stormwater that flows into local waterways, we can improve the health of those creeks, streams, and rivers.
If you manage an educational institution or nonprofit organization, you may be eligible to receive a rain barrel from WV DEP’s Watershed Improvement Branch (WIB).
To see if your organization qualifies, simply submit an application. Those with a current or planned flower and/or vegetable garden will be given priority. If your organization is eligible, you’ll receive a rain barrel and parts kit, as well as a hands-on installation with student participation. Plus, you’ll get a 1+ hour water education session that uses Project WET (Water Education Today) activities.
