Capture and Use Stormwater with Rain Barrels

Did you know that every year over 7,650 gallons of free water are being delivered to your house?  It’s called rain and it runs off your roof.  The only thing keeping you from using it is a system to capture and store it for later use.  Rain barrels connect to your downspouts and store water for use in your yard.  Your plants benefit from naturally soft and chlorine-free water.  Your wallet benefits from a reduced water bill and electricity costs.  And local streams benefit because every gallon you collect and use reduces the stormwater runoff from your property and the pollutants that runoff carries.  

In this climate rain barrels are best used Spring through Fall.  For winter months, they should be drained and disconnected from downspouts.  

The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District is currently selling the 45 gallon plastic rain barrel pictured above for $79.  For details, link to their website at http://www.allenswcd.com/.  You may be eligible for a $20 rebate!  Rain barrels can also be purchased from a number of local retail outlets.

 

 

Public Service Announcements Emphasize Stormwater

Two Riverwalk Shelters Dedicated

The Ottawa River Coalition has erected two riverwalk informational shelters.  One is located in Lima near Simmons Field, home of the Lima Locos.  The second can be found just west of Roush Road in Bath Township.  The primary function of the shelters is to provide information to the riverwalk users about the river.  Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District and Lima Parks Dept are important partners in this project, as one unit is located in each jurisdiction.  To view the eight panels that are currently on display see the next eight posts on our website. 

Roush Road Riverwalk Shelter Location

An inviation to get involved in river cleanup activities

Video Celebrating Ottawa River Improvements

The Ottawa River Coalition is celebrating some amazing improvements in water quality throughout the watershed.  Ohio Environmental Protection Agency conducted an in-depth study of the river system during 2010 and 2011.  OEPA reports that 74% of the stream miles studied are in full attainment of state standards.  This is an incredible increase over a mere 9% attainment rate in 1996!  Watch the 10 minute video below and learn more about this wonderful accomplishment and the challenges that remain.  Contact us to schedule a presentation of the video for your group.

The Drinking Water Connection

Storm drains and catch basins are commonly directly connected to a nearby river, stream, creek, or ditch. The Ottawa River is the primary source of drinking water for the City of Lima. Upstream of the City, water is withdrawn from the river and deposited and stored in reservoirs. From the reservoirs, the water travels through undergrpound pipes or mains to the water treatment plant and distribution center.

So when you consider the impact on our drinking water resources or that of communities downstream of us, protecting storm drains and catch basins is very important.