9th Circuit ends California ban on high-capacity magazines
$3 for 3 months. Save 90%.
$3 for 3 months. Save 90%.

Waterwise: The rain barrel project

Luis Hernandez
Waterwise column installs rain collecting barrel.

It's time the Waterwise column completes a project similar to the ones it reports on.

With rain expected this weekend, the Waterwise column installed a barrel to catch some of the rainfall.

The project started with getting a barrel. The Waterwise column secured the use of a 30-gallon barrel. The plastic barrel had all the fittings to connect a garden hose to a spout and use the water later.

The second step was to find a location around the house. It was an easy task. A downspout had fallen from a rain gutter and water was landing on top of a wooden fence. The location was obvious.

After a dry February, �March miracle� on the way

Hands at work

The Waterwise column started the labor portion of the project by using an old-fashion hacksaw. The bottom was cut off from a used drinking water bottle. Using a metal strap tightened with a bolt and nut, the water bottle was set to connect to the outlet stemming from the rain gutter.  A six-foot piece of black garden hose connected to the bottle's tip. The spout was removed from the bottle cap to allow free water flow. Simply put: The bottle and hose became a funnel to direct water to the barrel.

To lift it off the ground, the barrel was placed on top of red bricks and next to a post that holds up a canopy next to the house. Using a plastic tie down, the garden house was secured to a nail on the wooden wall and came to rest in the middle of the barrel.

The Waterwise column installs rain fail connecting barrel.

The barrel is designed to catch rain falling on a 12-by-24 foot canopy. Yes, the Waterwise column will report the amount of rainfall collected in a future entry.

Rainfall collected will be used to water flower beds around the back yard. Hopefully, the water system dumps enough water to make the project worthwhile.

The project didn't take but about 90 minutes. The barrel installation, however, ensures the Waterwise column can capture some of the rainfall and join the do-it-yourself club.

Waterwise is a news and notes column Reporter Luis Hernandez compiles. Send Waterwise ideas and suggestion to the reporter on twitter @lfhernanvtd.

Waterwise: Outdoor watering returns to Visalia, Tulare