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Rain Barrel Workshops

Why Rain Barrels?

Rain barrels can be attached to your downspouts to capture runoff from the roof. By installing a rain barrel at your home you will:

Provide your plants with water they will love! Unlike treated water, which is "softened" with dissolved minerals, rain water is naturally soft. The water stored in your rain barrel is better than municipal water for washing your car and watering indoor or outdoor plants.

Save money and water! Instead of water from the tap or faucet, you can use the water you've saved to keep your home landscape happy and growing. You'll also reduce your municipal water bill!

Protect the Chesapeake Bay! Water stored in your rain barrel is water that won't rush off into our streams. Instead, as you use the stored rain water around the home and garden, it will absorb slowly into the ground replenishing groundwater supplies. By decreasing the volume of storm runoff, rain barrels also help moderate stream erosion and the resulting pollution that is impairing the Chesapeake Bay.

 

Rain Barrel Workshops

Rain barrels purchased from mail order or retail sources can be prohibitively expensive. As part of a regional initiative, the district offers build-your-own rain barrel workshops and distributes low-cost rain barrels to Fairfax County citizens. At the workshops, you will learn how to install and maintain a rain barrel and take one home!

Upcoming Rain Barrel Programs

Build-Your-Own Workshops

• None scheduled at this time.

Distribution Events

• None scheduled at this time.

Please email the rain barrel program to have your name added to the 2010 rain barrel notification list or check back here in Spring 2010!

Fees & Registration

Registration is required for all programs. For each program unless otherwise noted, registration closes a week prior to the event. The materials fee per barrel is $50 for build-your-own workshops, $60 per barrel for distribution events. A $2 surcharge is charged per barrel for on-line registration. Limit: 2 rain barrels per person.  

Registration is handled by our rain barrel partner organization, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. On-line registration and instructions on registration by mail are available at http://www.arlingtonenvironment.org/barrel.htm.

Questions? E-mail the rain barrel program or call 703-324-1428, TTY 711.

Refunds & Cancellations

Refunds will not be issued for cancelled registrations or no shows. If you are not able to make a workshop for which you are registered, please notify the rain barrel program immediately. We will do our best to re-schedule you for a subsequent program. Only one opportunity to re-schedule will be given.

Rain Barrel FAQs

What do the rain barrels look like and where do you get them?
The rain barrels are made from black, grey or blue plastic barrels that used to hold pickles, peppers or onions. We purchase these barrels from a variety of barrel distributors and recycle them into rain barrels.

How large are the rain barrels?
The rain barrels hold approximately 50 gallons. They are roughly 23 inches wide. They range from 41.25 inches to 43.75 inches tall.

Will I get mosquitoes in my rain barrel?
The rain barrels are capped with fiberglass screen that allows water in, but keeps mosquitoes from getting into the barrel to lay their eggs. However, if you are concerned about mosquitoes breeding in your rain barrel, you can add half a Mosquito Dunk to the water in your barrel to kill mosquito larvae. Mosquito Dunks can be purchased at most garden supply stores.

I can't make a rain barrel workshop. Do you have suggestions for places to order rain barrels or purchase a barrel so I can build my own?
We have a list of sustainability resources available to download that includes sources for rain barrels. A list of suppliers is also available on the Arlington County web site.

I have my rain barrel at home. How do I install it?
Download our installation instructions. If you need additional assistance, we have compiled a rain barrel accessories list that includes contact information for local installers.

I prefer not to shorten my downspout. Is there another way to hook up my rain barrel?
Another option for installing your rain barrel is to use a downspout diverter. Diverters can be manual or automatic. The main advantage of the diverter is that it can be used to regulate the flow of water into the rain barrel. Often you also don't have to shorten your downspout, but you will likely still have to cut into the downspout to install the diverter. Sources for diverters are available on our rain barrel accessories list.

Is the water in the rain barrel safe to use in my vegetable garden?
There are differing opinions on this subject. Rain barrels that collect water from copper roofs or from roofs where wooden shingles or shakes have been treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate) to prevent moss or algae growth should not be used on edible plants. If you have treated your roof with chemicals or installed zinc strips to prevent moss or algae growth, you should also not use the water in your rain barrel in your vegetable garden. Other considerations include the potential for air pollution in your area. Water flowing from your roof can contain deposited air pollutants. However, this water may end up in your vegetable garden anyway. No matter what you decide, make sure to wash all your garden produce thoroughly before you eat it!

Who is working with the district on the rain barrel program?
The following organizations and agencies: Clean Virginia Waterways, Arlington County, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church, the Reston Association, Fairfax County Master Gardeners, Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and numerous individual volunteers.