If eco-friendly gardening is your thing, then you probably have a rain barrel, or at least have thought about buying one.
But they can be expensive. A quick online search shows that prices for these round and environment-friendly irrigation systems can range from $30 to $100.
On April 22 in Roswell, folks can build their own rain barrel for just $10. The City of Roswell is hosting a do-it-yourself rain barrel workshop from 10 to 11 a.m. that day at the East Roswell Community Center.
Participants will receive all the materials needed to build a rain barrel, including a 55-gallon food grade drum and the fittings to attach it to a downspout. Registration is required for this event and those participating will need a four-door sedan or larger vehicle — with an empty backseat or cargo area — to transport their barrel home.
Roswell’s Environmental Education Coordinator will discuss the benefits of rain barrels and answer questions so residents feel confident installing it at home.
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The purpose of a rain barrel is to conserve water. A section on environment.arlingtonva.us explains that, unlike treated water, which is "softened" with dissolved minerals, rainwater is naturally soft. The water stored in your rain barrel is better than drinking water for washing cars and watering indoor or outdoor plants.
This workshop is limited to Roswell residents. To register, go to www.roswellgov.com/rainbarrel. For more information contact Vicki Culbreth at vculbreth@roswellgov.com.
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