County of Lexington: “Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop” hosted by the Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium
October 10, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium will host a “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” Workshop on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. beginning with a class at Emergency Medical Services, located at 407 Ball Park Road, and culminating at the Public Works garages, located at 440 Ball Park Road, where the rain barrels will be constructed. Representatives from the Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium will present information on stormwater runoff, rainwater harvesting and how to make the rain barrel before helping each attendee to build one to take home.
Rainwater harvesting is simply the capture of rainwater on your property for reuse. Rain barrels typically collect runoff from a roof. This water can then be used to water a garden, wash a car, or a variety of other uses.
Stormwater runoff occurs when impervious surfaces such as buildings and pavement prevent the natural infiltration of rainwater into the soil. When stormwater washes into storm drains, it flows directly into lakes, rivers, and streams; it is not treated at a wastewater treatment plant. The increase in volume of water to streams and creeks not only causes erosion, siltation, and flooding, but stormwater picks up pollutants such as pet waste, motor oils, pesticides, fertilizers, litter, and bacteria and deposits them into local waterways that also serve as drinking water and recreational resources. Therefore, reducing stormwater runoff helps to save water, save money, and reduces stormwater pollution
The cost to attend the workshop and make a rain barrel is $25. To register for the workshop, contact Tina Blum, Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District, at (803) 359-3165 ext. 3 or [email protected]
