Conserve Water and Reduce Runoff: Raindrops Keep Falling
(Page 2 of 3)
March/April 2007
By Carol Steinfeld
-Reduce rainwater’s mild acidity with 1 teaspoon baking soda per 100 gallons of water.
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-The first half-inch of rain, known as the “first flush,” can carry particles and bird excrement. If this is a concern, divert it to the ground, or filter it through a draining container filled with course sand, crushed shell, wood chips or coconut coir mats.
-Rain barrels on the ground provide little water pressure for usage at the same level. If you’re draining your barrel with a spigot, elevate it as much as possible, either with strategic siting above the point of use or with a platform of bricks (water is heavy!). Or use a pump. Place your tap about 2 inches from the bottom of the barrel to maximize pressure but avoid any settled debris.
-Be sure to drain your barrel at regular intervals and before the winter freeze.
-Be sure to include an overflow hose at the barrel’s top or bottom.
How to Make a Rain Barrel
Materials
Overflow:
55-gallon drum
11/4 -inch adapter insert MPT (SWP151)
Metal hose clamp (accommodates 1- to 2-inch hoses)
11/4 -inch sump pump hose
(Flotec FP0012-6F) or other hose
Inlet grate:
6-inch NDS Green Grate (or a 4-inch atrium grate or gilled vent insert)
6- to 7-inch metal clamp #10
12-inch-square window screen
Hose bibb/sillcock:
Brass sillcock/hose bibb (3/4- inch MPT)
Silicone sealer or Teflon tape (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut a hole in the top of the barrel for the inlet drain (use a RotoZip spiral saw, router or large-hole saw). The hole should be only large enough to allow the grate to rest on its flange. Or measure and mark the area to be cut, start a pilot hole, and use a jigsaw. (Or simply glue a piece of screen over a 6-inch hole cut with any tool.)
2. On the side (near the top) of your rain barrel, use a 11/2 -inch keyhole bit to cut a hole to accommodate the 11/4 -inch overflow adapter insert. You may need to rasp or sand the hole somewhat larger to screw in the adapter. Expect a snug fit.
3. Insert the threaded end of the overflow adapter insert into the overflow hole. Keep the adapter straight as you screw it into the barrel.
4. On what will be the front of your rain barrel, use a 15/16 -inch drill bit to cut a hole for the 3/4 -inch hose bibb, about 2 inches from the bottom of the barrel.
5. Insert the threaded hose bibb into the hole from step 4. Keep the hose bibb straight as you screw it into the barrel. You also can apply a bead of silicone caulk or wrap Teflon tape around the bibb before inserting it to ensure a tight,
drip-free connection.
6. Use the metal clamp to firmly attach the window screen to the bottom of the Green Grate. Tighten the clamp with a screwdriver or nut driver. Place the inlet assembly into the barrel.
7. Slide the hose clamp over the barbed section of the adapter insert. Slide one end of the sump pump hose over the adapter and attach firmly with the hose clamp.
8. Attach a garden hose or soaker hose to your hose bibb.
9. Use cinderblocks or similar pavers to elevate the completed rain barrel off the ground to ensure easier access to the hose bibb and to facilitate gravity-fed drainage.
10. Reprinted with permission from the Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Environmental Protection (www.RainScapes.org)