Saturday Sept. 15
Roll Out The Barrels
Katie Dean from The Capital Times sheds light on a new technique that could be useful and appreciated by many. People are using unique 55 gallon barrels to collect rain water before it hits the ground. Although the idea is not new, advances in the barrels are contributing to a heightened popularity. These specially designed barrels were improved by MATC and UW-Madison students. The MATC students contributed a logo and to inventory management while an engineering class at UW-Madison developed an environmental friendly spigot, that is attached to the barrels.
These barrels have several uses that are discussed in the article. It is stated that the growth of algae is enhanced by the phosphorus found in fertilizers, sediments, and animal waste. By collecting the water from roofs of homes, water runoffs cannot collect these things and in return reduce the unwanted algae amounts in bodies of water. Others are using the barrels for more practical uses such as watering plants because the rain water is free of fluoride, washing pets, or simply to save money by not using as much power. The water barrels are also ways for people to do their part to combat global warming.
The water systems themselves are suppose to be easy to clean, sealed to eliminate mosquito problems, capable of handling overflows, and have spigots that can be attached to a garden hose.
Single or double barrels kits are available over the internet for $75 and $115 respectively.
2 comments:
These rain barrels sound like a good idea. The fact that they are sealed to prevent disease carrying mosquitoes is a very important aspect. Sustain Dane, the company producing these barrels, claims that they have installed around 500 of them so far, that saves prevents at least 27,500 gallons of water from running into the drain system and subsequently into the lakes a year. That is if the barrels are filled and left, without being refilled for the summer. That is a substantial amount of water. The idea behind this issue is good and every little bit that one can do to help save energy is also important.
I agree that this is a very good way to keep ponds and lakes clean, and is also a great way to conserve water. However, in the case of a drought, would people cover these barrels and not use them? But without special circumstances, I think they are amazing. Plus, to keep the water mosquito and disease free is incredible and this water is perfect for watering lawns and plants. This really will help the environment and will keep lakes and ponds much cleaner.
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