Jul 11, 2016 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – Greene County Conservation District, in partnership with Waynesburg Borough, recently held three workshops focusing on the importance of reducing stormwater and best practices for homeowners.

Thirty rain barrels were constructed during the workshops and taken home at no cost to the attendees. The $50 supply fee for each rain barrel was provided through a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Rain barrels mimic the effects of natural landscapes by reducing and slowing stormwater runoff from roofs. An average sized roof may shed more than 500 gallons of water during a moderate rainstorm.

A rain barrel collects a portion of this water and stores it for later use by the property owner. This results in a savings in the property owner’s water bill and stores a supply of water suitable for watering gardens, washing vehicles and equipment, cleaning decks and windows and a host of other household tasks. The water, however, should not be used for drinking, food preparation or bathing. Stormwater management practices like rain barrels help communities and the environment by reducing flood risk, lessening stream erosion and improving water quality. Reducing stormwater is a critical need in communities across Greene County and reducing roof runoff with a rain barrel is a great place to start.

For information about stormwater, rain barrels or future workshops, call the Conservation District at 724-852-5278.