Subscribe free to our daily email newsletterReceive Rebates To Lower Stormwater Runoff
Jul 8, 2009 16:59 - 3 Comments
Posted by: Cindy Cotte Griffiths
Department: Volunteer
Tags: by Cindy Cotte Griffiths, environment, What You Can Do
Department: Volunteer
Tags: by Cindy Cotte Griffiths, environment, What You Can Do
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I first learned about the Rockville Rainscapes Reward Program at Science Day last April where the City set up a display. Basically, if you have residential property, you can help reduce the amount of stormwater and pollution entering local streams and increase the groundwater supply in two simple ways.
1.) Rain Barrels – By collecting rainwater in barrels, the amount of stormwater runoff is lowered. Although the water can’t be consumed, it can be used to wash cars or water the lawn/garden, which saves money on water bills. The water supply is even more beneficial during droughts. If you have installed rain barrels since March 1, 2008, you can receive $50 per barrel for up to 4 barrels.
In case you are thinking you really don’t want an unsightly barrel on your property, consider a recent project at the University of Akron in Ohio. Ten students turned 50 water barrels into functional art. The containers will be auctioned with proceeds going to Keep Akron Beautiful. I always appreciate a fine idea to make an environmentally-friendly idea even better.
2.) Conservation Landscaping – Removing grass and replacing it with plant species with deeper root systems also reduces runoff. The City just started to offer a $500 rebate on July 1, 2009 if you change your lawn over to plants with at least 3/4ths being native.
Upcoming City of Rockville training sessions will provide all the details:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 AM -Noon at the Lincoln Park Community Center
Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 PM at Croydon Creek Nature Center
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 from 1:30-3:30 PM Twinbrook Community Recreation Center
Call Audra Lew at 240-314-8877 or e-mail alew@rockvillemd.gov to reserve a spot in the training or for details. Session participants will have a chance to win a rain barrel.
Just think, that’s less mowing and lower water bills!
You mean my weeds-instead-of-grass is worth money? LOL I have lots of native plants in my yard.
Ha! Ha! Only if you planted them since last Wednesday. This makes me feel better about all the vegetation on my property too!
Several years ago College Gardens and the City ran a rain barrel and rain garden project in College Gardens. About 100 rain barrels were placed in the neighborhood at City (yes taxpayer) expense as part of a larger Stormwater Management excercise. These rain barrels were and are attractive and I think a whole lot better alternative than building one yourself. They were around $100 each but I always wondered what they would cost if there was a very large order placed.