Each quarter, the Lexington Countywide Stormwater Consortium (LCSC) hosts a backyard benefits workshop. At these workshops, you can learn about how to make a rain barrel. At the end of the presentations, participants have the option to build their own rain barrel(s). The LCSC sources these food-grade plastic barrels from Mt. Olive. They were once used by the company to make and store pickles!
Rain barrels have been used for thousands of years as a means to harvest the water that comes freely from the sky when it rains. All you need is a container to catch the rain, and the rest is up to you! There are endless ways you can customize your barrel and create your water system. Water collected from a rain barrel can be used for a variety of things such as washing your pet, cleaning outdoor tools, watering your garden, or saving for emergencies.
Before each workshop, the barrels from Mt. Olive are thoroughly rinsed by our staff. Barrels may still have some minor residue on the outside of the barrel. It may be a good idea to give your barrel one more quick rinse before you put it to use.
Rain barrels purchased from a commercial retailer typically cost around $100. The LCSC offers participants to build a rain barrel at-cost for $35.Additionally, each workshop provides several presentations before the build. A special topic is presented first then presentations about composting basics and rain barrels. The special topic rotates and is different each time. Some examples of past special topics include pollinators, small farming, and backyard gardening. It is always free to come and listen to the presentations if you do not wish to build a barrel.
Keep your eye out for our next workshop! Registration and event information can be found on our website under the "Upcoming Events" tab, in the LCSC Water Watch Newsletter, or on the County's Facebook page. If you have any questions about these workshops, please reach out to our Environmental Coordinator:
Vance Vollmer
vvollmer@lex-co.com
(803) 785-8634
