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If it’s Falling…

You may as well collect! The upcoming dry summer months are probably the last thing on your mind during heavy late winter and spring rains. At this time of year, it may seem like it will never dry out, but it’s important to remember that a hot summer is just around the corner. So why not collect that extra spring rainwater for the summer, when your yard seems to always need a drink? Buildings can play a role in capturing rainwater for irrigation. Rooftop water-catchment systems vary in complexity from simple rain barrels placed at the bottom of gutters to systems that collect runoff that is stored in a cistern and treated for vegetable irrigation.

Viewer Tip: Water collection and re-use systems play an important role in conserving water. A properly placed rain barrel can collect rain runoff from your roof this spring and save it for use in the summer. Just remember that birds and other animals also visit your roof, so water from a rain barrel is best used on non-food plants, like your flowers and lawn.

Season: Spring

This information is provided by ATTRA – National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. Learn more about efficient agricultural buildings: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/agbuildings.html