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Harvesting Rainwater Rain Barrels offer many benefits to you as well as the environment. Consider this: Rain barrels provide an eco-friendly water source for non-potable uses Reducing stormwater runoff from your property reduces the flow in the stormwater system, which helps prevent stream erosion and stormwater runoff pollution Rainwater re-use reduces your water demand-reducing your bill, and reducing the demand on water supply Rooftop rainwater is typically non- potable. It should be used for tasks such as watering flower pots, lawns, or indoor plants, washing your car, or rinsing outdoor equipment. Rain Barrel Benefits & Uses City of Puyallup 44 Engineering 333 S. Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371 ---PAGE BREAK--- Let’s save the rain….in a rain barrel! What is Rainwater Harvesting? Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater for re-use in a greywater system or for other non-potable uses such as outdoor irrigation or car washing. How is rainwater collected? Collecting rainwater can be done through a variety of methods: Buckets set outdoors can collect rain- water as it falls Rain barrels placed below your home’s gutter downspouts collect runoff from your roof Large-scale cisterns can be used to store excess water from a green roof, or to maximize the storage of rooftop runoff What makes a rain barrel? Rain barrels are a simple, easy to install form of rainwater harvesting. Any size barrel can be used to create your system. Since an average Puyallup roof can produce over 31,000 gallons of rainwater runoff each year, the typical 55-gallon rain barrel for residential uses will need an outlet for overflow. Water collected in the barrel will be easy to access with a spigot near the bottom. Open the spigot to fill a watering bucket; close it to store water. Elevating the barrel off the ground makes access to the spigot easier. Determining the location for your barrel is as easy as choosing an existing downspout, disconnecting it a few inches above the barrel height, and placing the assembled rain barrel in position. Roof Gutter Down spout Mesh screen deters mosquitoes Overflow valve Spigot Stump or cinder blocks to elevate barrel Now you’re ready to harvest rainwater! Interested in joining Puyallup’s Rain Garden program? Approved participants can receive up to a $125 reimbursement for a rain barrel, not to exceed the purchase price. Read more or download the application online : http://tinyurl.com/PuyallupStorm Or contact: [EMAIL REDACTED]