SAN ANTONIO – The Stone Oak Property Owners Association and Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District will co-host “A Rain Barrel Workshop” from 9 a.m.-noon April 12 at the property owners association offices at 19210 Huebner Road in San Antonio.
Rainwater harvesting can reduce flooding, erosion and contamination of surface water, plus provide irrigation for lawns and landscapes. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
The workshop will be presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Bexar County Master Gardeners. Coordinators said attendees will learn how to make a basic home rainwater collection container during the workshop.
“Rainwater harvesting is a tried-and-true way to capture free water from rainfall,” said Jared Beaver, AgriLife Extension water and natural resources project coordinator, Bexar County. “You can save water and money by collecting and storing rainwater and using it to irrigate your trees, shrubs and flower beds.”
Beaver and Bexar County Master Gardener Lou Kellogg will provide workshop instruction.
“A rain barrel collects and stores water for when you need it most,” Kellogg said. “Some benefits of having a home water collection system are water conservation, reducing the potential for flooding in your yard and reducing potential storm water pollution. Plus, natural rainwater is great for your plants and garden.”
Participants will learn how to make their own rain-collection barrel in just a few hours by attending this workshop, coordinators said. They also will have the opportunity to visit with San Antonio Water System and groundwater conservation district specialists about various water conservation efforts.
“A plastic rain barrel and the needed fittings for a basic home rainwater catchment system can be obtained locally and typically cost less than $100 total,” Kellogg said.
Attendance is limited to the first 40 paid registrants. Children are invited, and a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided by the hosting organizations.
Registration is $25 per person, with checks made payable to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Attendees are requested to RSVP by April 10 to Angel Torres at the AgriLife Extension office for Bexar County, 210-467-6575 or matorres@ag.tamu.edu.
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