By Blake Jackson
Penn State Extension's Master Watershed Steward Program is now selling rain barrel kits at select county Extension offices, simplifying the process of creating functional rain barrels.
These kits, combined with an HDPE plastic barrel, provide an easy and affordable way to manage stormwater.
Rain barrels help mitigate the negative impacts of excess stormwater, such as flooding, pollution, and erosion, which are increasingly common due to development.
By capturing precipitation, rain barrels store water for later use, reducing runoff and protecting water quality.
These kits include all necessary fittings and connectors, minus essential tools, making rain barrel assembly straightforward.
They are available at Master Watershed Steward Programs in Allegheny, Berks, Cumberland and Franklin, Chester and Delaware, Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon, Elk, Lackawanna and Luzerne, Lehigh and Northampton, Monroe, Susquehanna and Wyoming, Schuylkill, Westmoreland, and York counties.
Rain barrels offer numerous benefits, detailed in Penn State Extension’s guide, “Rain Barrels: Information and Guide.” They help conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff, and lessen the strain on municipal systems.
To purchase a kit or for more information, contact the listed county Extension offices or your local Master Watershed Steward coordinator. This initiative promotes sustainable water management practices and empowers homeowners to contribute to watershed health.
Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach
Categories: Pennsylvania, General