Local Workshop Promotes Benefits of Rain Water Collection

Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Partners with Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program for Rain Barrel Workshop

Participants learned basics and benefits of collecting roof runoff, and they even took home free rain barrel kits.

On Saturday, July 15, we had the opportunity to attend a Rain Barrel Workshop hosted by the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority in conjunction with the Penn State Master Watershed Steward Program. The educational event was held at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Wilkes-Barre. Local registered guests filled the room for both the 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. sessions.

During the workshop, participants learned how to install rain barrels on their own property. The simple water collection system includes attaching a large barrel to an existing rain gutter downspout and filling it via regular rainfall. Through this system, homeowners can collect and store regular roof runoff to use for watering the lawn, non-edible garden plants and trees. You can even use it for washing the car and cleaning tools and more.

Note: runoff water collected in rain barrels contains debris, animal droppings and chemicals from roofing materials and it should never be used for consumption.

A little conscious conservation can go a long way.

The workshop also promoted the environmental and economic benefits of a rainwater collection system. Rain barrels reduce the use of clean, treated drinking water for non-consumption activities like watering lawns and washing cars. They can also provide ample water reserves during times of drought and even reduce pollution that often makes its way to rivers and streams via municipal storm drains.

A simple rain barrel can also lead to accumulated savings on water and sewer bills. Homeowners who install a rain barrel system can qualify for a 15% credit through the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA). Registered workshop participants also took home free rain barrels and installation kits.

Learn more about how you can help conserve our clean drinking water and mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff at the WVSA website.

And, for more on rain barrels and installing a stormwater runoff collection system at your house, check out the experts at Penn State.

Matt Giambra

Photographer

Matt is a life-long resident of NEPA who couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. He enjoys an array of outdoor recreational activities, spending quality time with his wife and three children and is not ashamed when people hear that he puts butter in his coffee.

Jonathan Davies

Author

Jonathan was born and raised in NEPA. He enjoys writing about local beer, local food, fishing and hiking. He especially keeps an eye out for unique people, places and things throughout the region.