ANTIETAM CURRENTS

"WHAT IS A RAIN BARREL?"

When Spring rains begin, time to set up the rain barrel. A rain barrel collects water from a downspout. One substantial rain can fill a 55 gallon barrel. The rainfall that runs off the roof of your home can be collected and used in different ways. The overflow can be directed into the surrounding foundation garden of plants that will benefit from the extra moisture. Cluster plants into water use zones. Plants that appreciate moist soil can be grouped together and become a Rain Garden. This overflow water is absorbed by the plants and slows run-off that could damage your foundation or add to the storm water runoff that eventually empties into our Antietam Creek.

Look around your home for a site for a rain barrel . Remove the lower portion of the down spout, attach a flexible connecting piece of hose that can be found at local building stores, and set your rain barrel underneath. The barrel can be set on blocks or a square of concrete for stability and to reach the spouting. Most barrels come with a screen cover that will keep out debris and mosquitos. Some come with a faucet at the base that allows the thrifty gardener to fill watering cans to use for other plants and trees around your yard. Not only will you save water use, but your plants will benefit from nature’s soft water without chemicals. Rainwater can also be used in bird baths.

You may think that an old ugly barrel will detract from the appearance of your home. Foliage can be used to disguise the barrel. Native shrubs that leaf out in the spring are a good choice, or evergreens will screen the barrel from view. A pathway of stepping stones can lead to the rain barrel when you go to fill your watering cans or go to check the hoses to make sure all is connected before and after a hard rain. In summer, when rainfall is more sporadic, you will be glad for the extra source of water for outside use, and when remembering that people have collected rainfall in this way for thousands of years, it will seem quite natural and fit in with today’s efforts to recycle and conserve water.

Rain barrels should be emptied and stored inside or upside-down during the winter to avoid freezing and cracking of the barrel. The spouting should be re-attached so that winter rains will be directed away from the foundation of your home.

To purchase a rain barrel, go on line to search “Rain Barrels”, order from a garden catalog or garden magazine advertisement. Many are recycled barrels, and, in fact, you can make your own which some local folks have done.

The Antietam Watershed Association will hold its quarterly meeting July 19, 2006 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Township Meeting Room. There is a planned presentation by the Stream Monitoring Committee to report after a year of water testing on the East Branch of the Antietam Creek. For more information, call 717-762-9417 or visit our website at www.antietamws.org.