Ferndale 2023 Rain Barrel Workshop Additional Info

2023 COMMUNITY RAIN BARREL SALE

MAY 7TH, 2023/ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

This year, the City of Ferndale is partnering with MI Rain Barrel to host its first rain barrel sale, offering wholesale, upcycled rain barrels to all residents at steeply discounted prices thanks to a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Orders will be available for pickup on Saturday, April 1st at the Ferndale City Hall. Limit one per household. Low-income households’ affordability is managed with sliding-scale pricing. Residents at or below 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guideline, listed here, are encouraged to utilize the lower sliding-scale pricing.

A rain barrel is connected directly to the downspout of a gutter system. Water runs off the roof through the downspout and into the barrel during rainfall. Capturing and storing rainwater for later use, rain barrels reduce runoff. This improves water quality and puts less stress on stormwater infrastructure. Rain barrels are helpful to the city and our environment by:

· Reducing water pollution by keeping rainwater out of the sewers, preventing excess water from reaching wastewater treatment plants in areas with combined sewage overflow systems.

· Reducing the amount of bacteria, oils, grease, and other pollutants getting into local waterways.

· Helping plants thrive by providing water without minerals, chlorine, or other chemicals.

· Reducing peak water demand and the use of treated municipal water for outdoor purposes.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 30% of the water used in the average American household goes to outdoor tasks such as washing your car or watering lawns and gardens. Water stored in a rain barrel can be used for these everyday outdoor activities. The Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission and the Clinton River Watershed Council promote rain barrels as an excellent way to collect and reuse water.

*** NEVER USE THE WATER FROM YOUR RAIN BARREL FOR DRINKING OR COOKING ***

Homeowners can take action to improve their local watershed health in many ways. Learn more at https://www.crwc.org/resources/resource-library/homeowner-resources.