SunriseGuide in the news
04/09/09
Save it for a sunny day
As published in the Maine Switch, April, 2009
By Heather Chandler
As we enter mud season in Maine, it may be difficult to turn our minds to how we’re going to water the garden this summer. But before we know it, summer will be here. And if you (like the Obama’s) have plans to grow a garden in your yard, more likely than not, you will have at least some need for a water source to support your plants.
We are fortunate in New England that we have not yet had to face major water shortages, as in other parts of the country. But fresh water is a finite resource and there are already signs that our supply is shrinking.
One option to address your outside watering needs is to collect water when it rains and save it for a sunny day. Saving rainwater also helps to prevent runoff that can wash pollutants into our waterways. In fact, storm water runoff is one of the primary causes of water pollution, transporting pesticides, fertilizers, salt, and more into our streams, lakes and rivers. So whatever we can do to support a natural filtering process, the better. And if that isn’t enough, the amount of rain water you save, means that much less you need to pay for.
Last spring, I installed two water barrels in my yard. These terra cotta-colored contraptions are made from re-purposed olive oil barrels and use a relatively simple technology to capture, collect and store rain water for use on sunny days. You set them up under a drain spout on your house (or garage). And when propped up on cinder blocks or a small pedestal, the water inside has enough pressure to power a hose.
With last year’s rainy summer, my rain barrels filled early and I never ran out of water. The number of barrels you will need depends on the size and number of your gardens. I don’t water my lawn, so I just need water for four small gardens. Two barrels meets my needs just fine. You can set them up in different locations to be closer to your gardens or even connect them to each other.
Portland Water District is currently offering a program that provides water barrels at a discount (orders must be placed by May 15) or find a great selection at F.W. Horch in Brunswick (and be sure to look for the $10 off coupon in this year’s SunriseGuide.)
We are fortunate in New England that we have not yet had to face major water shortages, as in other parts of the country. But fresh water is a finite resource and there are already signs that our supply is shrinking.
One option to address your outside watering needs is to collect water when it rains and save it for a sunny day. Saving rainwater also helps to prevent runoff that can wash pollutants into our waterways. In fact, storm water runoff is one of the primary causes of water pollution, transporting pesticides, fertilizers, salt, and more into our streams, lakes and rivers. So whatever we can do to support a natural filtering process, the better. And if that isn’t enough, the amount of rain water you save, means that much less you need to pay for.
Last spring, I installed two water barrels in my yard. These terra cotta-colored contraptions are made from re-purposed olive oil barrels and use a relatively simple technology to capture, collect and store rain water for use on sunny days. You set them up under a drain spout on your house (or garage). And when propped up on cinder blocks or a small pedestal, the water inside has enough pressure to power a hose.
With last year’s rainy summer, my rain barrels filled early and I never ran out of water. The number of barrels you will need depends on the size and number of your gardens. I don’t water my lawn, so I just need water for four small gardens. Two barrels meets my needs just fine. You can set them up in different locations to be closer to your gardens or even connect them to each other.
Portland Water District is currently offering a program that provides water barrels at a discount (orders must be placed by May 15) or find a great selection at F.W. Horch in Brunswick (and be sure to look for the $10 off coupon in this year’s SunriseGuide.)