Consider getting a rain barrel? Not sure of the benefits or how to use it?

Rain barrels save water, help storm water run-off and make watering your plants SO much easier. And with the daily monsoons we’ve experienced, there are lots of FREE water falling from the sky to use. But there’s more to it, and there’s an exhibit where you can find out more right in Philly.

Rain Barrels – EPA Exhibit

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting the Art and Science of Rain Barrels exhibit through September 20 at 1650 Arch Street. Visitors can learn how to use a rain barrel, and find inspiration from examples of decorated rain barrels from the Mt. Airy Art Garage, the Philadelphia Water Department and the Energy Coordinating Agency. They’ll also drop hints of how to get a FREE rain barrel.

Rain barrels are an important part of the Green City, Clean Waters program kicked off by the Philadelphia Water Department last year. The program to naturally deal with our storm water runoff rather than reconstructing pipes is innovative and gaining lots of attention nation-wide.

As EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin explains,

“Rain barrels are a way for homeowners to save money by saving water. Not only can they use the water collected in the rain barrel to water their gardens, they are also actively helping the environment by reducing pollution in local streams and rivers.”

If you go: EPA Public Information Center, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Hours are generally Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm but you can arrange a visit by calling 215-814-5121
or 1-800-438-2474.

Readers, have you checked out the exhibit? Or do you use a rain barrel? Tell us in the comments!

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher