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Rain Barrel Workshops

Why Rain Barrels?

Rain barrels can be placed under 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 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 retail sources can be 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!

Registration is required for all programs. Registration closes 3-4 days prior to the event. The fee per barrel is $55 for build-your-own workshops, $65 per barrel for distribution events. Only two rain barrels will fit in most vehicles. Register for a Rain Barrel Workshop or Sale.

Build-Your-Own Workshops

• Saturday, March 23rd, 10:00 a.m. - noon
  Green Acres Community Center, 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
• Sunday, May 5th, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
  Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland St., Falls Church 22043
• Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191
• Saturday, June 1, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  Messiah Methodist Church, 6215 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152
• Saturday, June 8, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314
• Wednesday, September 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington, VA 22206
• More workshops to come in the summer and fall!

Distribution Events/Rain Barrel Sales

• Sunday April 21, noon - 4:30 p.m.
  Earth Week Fair/Green Living Expo*
  Mason Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
  * Note: There also will be an artistic rain barrel auction at this event.
• Saturday May 4, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
  Falls Church Property Yard, 7100 Gordons Rd., Falls Church, VA 22043
• Saturday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  Falls Church Property Yard, 7100 Gordons Rd., Falls Church, VA 22043

Online registration is handled by our rain barrel partner organization, Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. Instructions on registration by mailing a check are also available on their website.

Questions? Please read the information on this page including the rain barrel FAQs below. Also, try following the link above. For other questions, email 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 reschedule you for a subsequent program. Only one opportunity to reschedule will be given.

Artistic Rain Barrels

Thanks to the rain barrel artists and all who supported the Artistic Rain Barrel program.

Rain Barrel FAQs

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

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 Conservation 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, Virginia Master Naturalists – Fairfax and Arlington Regional Chapters, 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.