One easy way to help protect lakes, rivers is to collect rainwater in mosquito-proof containers, known as rain barrels.
How you can help keep Lake Champlain clean:
Install a Rain Barrel
The collected water can be used to water your lawn or garden. Whatever options you choose, keeping stormwater off hard surfaces and allowing natural infiltration will protect drinking and recreational waters and possibly even save you money.
Download instructions on how to build your own rain barrel.
How to Install a Rain Barrel
Supplies
- 55 gallon plastic drum
- 3/4″ brass hose bibb (faucet)
- 1 1/4″ nylon hose barb
- 1 1/4″ sump pump hose, 6′ long
- Plastic plant pot, 9″ round
- Fiberglass window screen
- Section of a bicycle tire tube
Tools
- Saw
- Drill
- 5/8″ hole saw (for nylon hose barb)
- 1″ hole saw (for faucet)
- Utility knife or rasp to scrape/file away burrs on the cut hole
Step by Step
Step 1. Drill a small hole in the center of the barrel cap.
Step 2. Use the widest part of the flower pot as a stencil to draw a circle on the barrel cap.
Step 3. Use stencil to cut a hole from the cap.
Step 4. Remove cap and place window screen over the open barrel, secure with cap.
Step 5. Drill hole for faucet about 2 inches from bottom of barrel with 1-inch hole saw. Wrap plumbers tape around the hole and secure the faucet to the barrel.
Step 6. Drill hole at top of side with 5/8th” hole saw. Secure hose barb to barrel with screws.
Step 7. Position the rain barrel in a secure position near the gutter (rain barrel is heavy when full).
Step 8. Cut the gutter about 6? higher than the top of the barrel.
Step 9. Add on the elbow joint facing the opening of the barrel, use the needle-nose pliers to crimp the two pieces together.
In the fall, empty your rain barrel and store upside down to keep the barrel from cracking.