Capturing rainwater point of new environmental campaign

The Tribune-Review ^ | Monday, May 12, 2003 | Daniel Reynolds

[Willie Green]

Two cleanwater nonprofits are targeting Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale and parts of Pittsburgh with a program to show residents the benefits of capturing rainwater in barrels instead of allowing it to run down driveways and roads carrying toxins into area streams and rivers.

[Willie Green]

I gotta admit, I like this idea because of its low-cost simplicity and utilitarian function.

I'm not really certain what good it would do, even if EVERYBODY does it.
But I can see the potential merit under the theory that "every little bit helps.

As a conservative, I'm also skeptical of the use of government funding / zoning laws to implement this.
But if the non-profit organizations funds come from private donations, and community participation is voluntary, it seems like a pretty good idea.

[RetiredArmy]

Less stormwater that is captured means less water to run off into the rivers and streams, thus denying those beloved salmon fish their cool, clear, clean water to excape the bears and fishermen/women in.

[camle]

next thing you'll hear is the enviro's carping that too many people are using rain barrels to trap rainwater thus keeping it out of the ecosystem.

nothing like dunking yer head in the rain barrel at hthe end of a 120 degree day.

[G Larry]

That's funny!
It's actually 'illegal' in parts of Colorado to "retain or divert" water flow.
Which has in fact resulted in specific rulings AGAINST use of rain barrels.
(not all enviro whackos are in CA!)

[Willie Green]

I doubt that this'll have much effect on the salmon runs located in more rural regions.
But in densely populated urban areas, runoff is accelerated by construction of buildings and pavement of roads. There's simply a smaller percentage of clear ground available for the rain to seep into. Trying to capture some of the excess for use during dry periods seems to make common sense. And it doesn't come through the water meter.

[Blzbba]

"But in densely populated urban areas, runoff is accelerated by construction of buildings and pavement of roads. There's simply a smaller percentage of clear ground available for the rain to seep into. Trying to capture some of the excess for use during dry periods seems to make common sense. And it doesn't come through the water meter. "


Well said. I live in Cherokee County, GA (north-metro Atlanta) and we just-recently had water-restrictions lifted, that had been in place for at least 5 years. I couldn't even wash my car, much less water my yard, for the past 2 years (when restrictions went from odd/even watering days to a total ban on outdoor usage). For the last 2 years, I've been collecting the condensate runoff from my AC and using it for watering in the hot summer months.

Due to our geology in N. GA (lots of low-permeability red-clay, slow-recharging groundwater table, and bedrock that is closer to the surface than elsewhere), surface water runs off pretty quickly so I would fully support any rainwater collection measures that allowed me to keep more of God's sprinkler system.

[EggsAckley]

I've been pondering this for a couple of years. I'm on a very expensive private system and this would cut my garden water usage tremendously. It's true, plants really like rain water. Don't quite know why, though.

[Morgan in Denver]

One of the problems with feel-good liberal plans is they sound good on the surface but don't work as though or planned.

Denver residents were all excited over sharing a portion of the profit from Waste Management due to a recycling program. Only problem, we made $17,000 one year and spent something like $300,000 that year to get it. Yet, the press and some in the public applauded our "environmentalism" as being a profit center.
Now, there is more scrutiny going on and the bottom line is the recycle program may not be either efficient nor beneficial to anyone, other than our radical left.

I will also predict, someone, and that's probably one of the organizers, will somehow find a way to make big money off the deal at taxpayers expense.

[r9etb]

I gotta admit, I like this idea because of its low-cost simplicity and utilitarian function.

I don't know how much rain they get in Pittsburgh, and I certainly don't know the Roof-to-open space ratio. However, I do know that this will not eliminate runoff, nor (probably) even make an appreciable dent in it.

One good rainstorm will overflow the barrels, and that's all she wrote.

Here in Colorado, it's not even an option: rain barrels are illegal. Why? Well, because runoff is a significant source of water. Trapping it and making it into ground water, instead of treatable runoff, makes water supplies less reliable.

A little foray into Water Law reveals it to be a devilishly complicated thing.

[Johnny Gage]

to show residents the benefits of capturing rainwater in barrels instead of allowing it to run down driveways and roads There's the falw in the logic. None of my downspouts empty on the driveway.. or the street, so doing this at my house wouldn't change a thing.

[Johnny Gage]

falw = flaw. *&^&%(&^ keyboard.. LOL

[Michael Barnes]

"One of the problems with feel-good liberal plans is they sound good on the surface but don't work as though or planned. "

Sounds close to Quinn's First Law "Liberalsim produces the exact opposite of it's stated intent."

[Rodsomnia]

Passing out plastic barrels for $600 a piece? Sounds like a typical municipal pork. They probably used illegal aliens to pass out the barrels too..

[Willie Green]

I've been pondering this for a couple of years. I'm on a very expensive private system and this would cut my garden water usage tremendously.

Having a rainbarrel is certainly an idea that's as old as the hills.
Simple, cheap and easy to implement.
Unless there are local restrictions, all you need is a cooperative climate.
I'd put one in myself, but we only average 4½" of rain annually here in Vegas. :-(

[elmer fudd]

It's true, plants really like rain water. Don't quite know why, though.

Probably because it's the same temperature as the surrounding air and doesn't contain chlorine or flouride.

[Khepera]

mosquito larve

[Willie Green]

One good rainstorm will overflow the barrels, and that's all she wrote.

I don't see where barrel overflow is a concern,
certainly not if the water was just gonna runoff anyway without the barrel,
at least your capturing some of it.
And you can always use either a larger barrel, or a second barrel to capture the overflow from the first.
I guess it depends on how much water you want/need to catch and what space you have available for barrels.

BTW, I looked it up and the 'Burgh averages 36" of annual precipitation.

[stboz]

Three words:

1. West
2. Nile
3. Mosquitoes

[Willie Green]

mosquito larve

"The barrels connect to rainwater downspouts and have lids on them so mosquitos won't breed in the water."

[EggsAckley]

We get over 40" a year here. I think I'm more considering a full-on cistern set up, catch the water in a five or six thousand gallon barrel. Sounding better and better.