The Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill’s Rain Harvesting Project envisions rain catchment systems at every home and public space to promote water conservation in our arid climate. To date, fifty 55 gallon rain barrels have been installed at 14 private homes, and another 10-15 barrels will be distributed soon, thanks to a partnership with Bill’s Ace Hardware and the expertise of rain barrel guru Steve Torres of the DVC Horticulture Department.
To inspire public awareness, a pilot project of a four barrel system was installed at Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm, which collects water from the roof of a small shed. Watch this short video to learn more: https://vimeo.com/160853883. Two more barrels will soon be installed at the farmhouse at Rodgers Ranch.
A 500 gallon rain tank was further installed at the Pleasant Hill YMCA with the help of a grant from Rotary District 5160, Ryan Kelsey of Ryan’s Nature Designs and some labor by the DVC Earth Club. The tank will irrigate a garden currently being designed by a landscape design students in the DVC Horticulture Department and will feature natives, drought tolerant, edible, medicinal, and otherwise beneficial plants. The design concepts will be available for viewing at the DVC Art Gallery during November. A grant from the Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club will enable plants to be purchased from DVC Horticulture.
If you are interested in installing rain barrels at your home, email rotaryrainharvesting@gmail.com for more information and a pre-order form. First barrel is $50, additional connector barrels are $30 each.
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