Rain Barrel Workshop

This educational presentation is hosted in partnership between University of MD Extension, Calvert County Government, the Town of Chesapeake Beach and the Chesapeake Beach Green Team.

There will be a 35-40 minute presentation that will go over the environmental benefits of using rain barrels to retain stormwater runoff from roof tops. These benefits include reduction in peak stream flow, reduction in flooding, reduction in erosion/sedimentation issues and potential for groundwater conservation/recharge. Rooftop runoff collection, use and safety considerations will be discussed. Finally proper installation and maintenance of rain barrels will be covered. There will be time for Q/A after the presentation.

The barrels offered through this workshop are 55 gallon white plastic drums. They will be precut/drilled with a 6" top inlet, right and left overflow and a bottom drain. Items included will be a top screen insert, brass hardware for overflows and drain, shut off valve for drain and one over flow cap. Participants can use the overflow cap to select which side they would like to attach their own garden hose for the overflow or use garden hose to connect another barrel. Distributed barrels are approximately 3 feet in height by 2 feet in diameter. Barrels must be purchased and paid for ahead of time. There will not be sales of barrels the day of. Particpants purchasing barrels must come prepared to take their barrels home from the workshop.

Host or Publisher University of Maryland Extension and St. Mary's County Government