[Archived] City Hosts “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” Workshop

April 22, 2009

NOTE: This workshop is FULL, but the City will be hosting two more workshops this year - one in the Summer and one in the Fall.  Please visit the Office of Environmental Quality for more information, or subscribe to the Environmental News list on the City's eNews service (enews.alexandriava.gov) to receive future notices about these events, volunteer opportunities in your community and other projects related to the City's Eco-City initiatives.

News Highlights:

• Collecting rainwater can help residents to save the environment and save money
• Rainwater conservation helps decrease storm runoff, and moderate stream erosion and the resulting pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
  

More Information:

• City of Alexandria Office of Environmental Quality 
• Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Workshop Registration
  

Interested in saving the environment, living “green,” and protecting the Chesapeake Bay? The City of Alexandria, in partnership with other regional organizations, invites residents to attend a “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” workshop on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at Francis C. Hammond Middle School, 4646 Seminary Drive.

Rain barrels can be placed under your downspouts to capture runoff from the roof. The rainwater you collect can help you save water for use in your yard and houseplants, eliminate potential flooding in your basement, and reduce stormwater management costs.

Registration for this workshop is required, and will close at least one week prior to event date. Visit the Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Workshop Registration site for registration information. Ready-made barrels are also available.

The workshop is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Program. Partner organizations and agencies include the City of Alexandria; Arlington County; Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment; Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District; the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; Fairfax County; Fairfax County Public Schools; the City of Falls Church; the Reston Association; and Fairfax County Park Authority. This project received funding from the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund provided by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), via DCR Grant 2007-WQIF-06.