Bob Dylan said it best when he sang, “The times, they are a changing.” This resonates clearly in regards to climate change, and our use of one of the most precious resources, water. Drought, water bans, water restrictions and environmental consciousness are making us reconsider what we plant in gardens and how we water them.
Collecting rainwater for use in dry months has been well documented in ancient and traditional practice around the world. The Thai people collected rainwater in simple clay containers more than 2,000 years ago. Even then, people knew water was not an infinite resource to exploit.
Rain barrels have gained in popularity in the past 15 years here on the coast and for good reason. A rain barrel is the perfect way to keep your lawn green and your plants happy. You can stop struggling with garden hoses and let a rain barrel collect rain runoff from your roof via the downspout. It’s simple; just store until you need it.
Water treatment facilities use a lot of energy and money to treat our wastewater and create the clean water which gets delivered to your tap. Most of the water we use to irrigate is drinking water, but rain water is an free source of high-quality water that contains no chlorine, calcium or lime. It’s actually better for your plants, so instead of turning on the tap, use stored rain water.
It’s startling to think about just how much water we could be collecting. For every inch of rain that falls on a 1,000-square-foot roof, you could stop 600 gallons of water. What a great way this is to help reduce strain on our already overtaxed municipal water systems.
The District of Squamish is right on point and hosting a rain barrel sale to help harvest rain water. Barrels can be ordered via EnviroWorld.ca/Squamish before May 20. Pre-ordering is required for those interested; there will not be additional barrels on sale at the pick-up times, which will be held Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday, June 9, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Public Works Yard at 39909 Government Rd. (It’s next to the Squamish SPCA – in case you want to visit some pets that need a home.)
Everyone is required to bring proof of ID for pick up and purchase confirmation. You can have this information displayed on your phone as well. Apparently up to three barrels can be stacked to fit in most sedan cars.
