"Rain can be used to cut water costs"

Workshop will be held in Guelph Thursday outlining benefits
June 14, 2008
LISA VARANO
MERCURY STAFF
GUELPH

     Backyard rain barrels make a difference in reducing municipal water use during peak summertime demand, the city says.
The barrels, popular among environmentally conscious households in Guelph, collect rainwater that falls onto rooftops.
A quick modification to the downspout of an eavestrough allows the water to fall into the barrel instead of onto the ground.
The water can be used to keep gardens alive when there are summertime watering bans in hot, dry weather.
"Any demand they take off the watering system helps," said Peter Busatto, manager of Guelph Waterworks.
Water consumption is highest in the summer because of outdoor water use, he said.

     A workshop will be held Thursday night for Guelphites who want to build their own rain barrels or upgrade ones they already have.
The workshop is part of a summer-long series on natural lawns and gardens sponsored by the City of Guelph and the Guelph International Resource Centre (GIRC).
GIRC, a non-profit group dedicated to local action on global issues, also sells rain barrels, made from reused pickle barrels by volunteers.
The most popular model, which costs $80 plus tax, holds 200 litres of water and has a screen on the lid to keep mosquitoes out. The barrel also has a valve, a hose for watering, and another hose to empty overflow.

     This year, the group expects to sell more than 400 barrels.
"It is catching on. I think our barrels have a bit of a cachet in the community. They're a bit of statement of where you stand in terms of your awareness of water issues," said GIRC's Rob Case, who will lead the workshop.
"Our groundwater resources are decreasing while the city is growing. We're scheduled for rapid development over the next 10 years. It's starting to become mainstream just thinking, 'OK, how are we going to manage our water?' "

lvarano[at]guelphmercury[dot]com

IF YOU'RE GOING:

Rain barrel workshop

Build or upgrade a rail barrel

Materials can cost up to $55

when: Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m.

To register, e-mail alma@girc.org or call 519-822-3110

Registered participants will be informed of the location

For a list of other upcoming gardening workshops, visit www.guelph.ca or www.girc.org.