Local Master Gardener Announces Guide That Shows How To Conserve Water and Help the Environment

Online, April 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Livonia, MI April 21, 2010 -- In this day of greening of America, saving water and controlling runoff into the local watershed is an important issue. Master gardener Vicki Hicks is on a mission to educate Michigan homeowners on the critical need to capture rain water and use it to lessen their impact on the environment. To accomplish this goal, she announced the publication of her new report, "Rainwater Harvesting: Helping the Environment While Saving Money."

"Using what Mother Nature provides is the key activity people can do to become truly environmentally responsible," Hicks explains. "Harvesting rainwater and using it to reduce water consumption is a perfect place to start. It's plentiful, it's natural and it free."

Hicks leads the growing tide of homeowners who collect rainwater roof runoff into a barrel to help ease the stress on local water tables and conserve this precious resource. "Living in Michigan causes people to be a little apathetic about water. It seems that we have a never ending supply and seldom think about their home's impact on our watershed. They should be concern about what flows from their property into our water table and how it affects everything around us," she claims.

"Have you ever watched a river of rainwater flow off your roof, down your sidewalk and into the ditch or storm drain? It has to go somewhere and it typically ends up in the nearest stream or river. The problem is that this water contains pollutants from the roofing materials and carries fertilizer chemical from your lawn. Both have an impact on the plants and animal habitats downstream along our rivers, lakes and streams."

According to Hicks, the key to capture this water and harvest it effectively and wisely. "When you use a rain barrel to harvest roof water and use it to water your lawn and garden you can significantly reduce your consumption and save on your monthly water bill. The plants will be happier, you'll be saving water for your community and you'll help your family budget."

She recommends installing a rain barrel as a logical solution. "Rain barrels are a simple way to save water and lower your utility bills without spending a lot of money. These devices hook to your downspout and collect rain water that can later be drained out to water your plants and gardens."

Studies have shown that lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need it most. It provides an ample supply of free "soft water" to homeowners, containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flower pots and smaller lawns.

A rain barrel captures about 1,200 gallons of water for every inch of rain that falls on a 2,000 square foot roof. Michigan averages around 30 inches of rain a year so the water a barrel can collect can be very substantial especially during the peak summer months. Harvesting rainwater not only reduces the impact on the environment, it decreases the demand for treated tap water which translates into energy saving at the municipal waste water treatment plant.

Traditional style rain barrels may be constructed from recycled materials such as plastic, concrete, galvanized steel, as well as fiberglass and stainless steel which are rust and chemical-resistant. They are available in many different styles and sizes to fit any kind of landscape or home design. They work by connecting to the downspout from your roof's eve system and use the natural water pressure in the barrel. A standard spigot is used to connect a hose for easy access to the water.

Rain barrels are catching on Hicks says, "Some communities in Michigan are already giving homeowners a small refund on their water bills if they have rain barrels. A homeowner should check your community to see if you qualify for any program or if they have any restrictions in place for their use."

Interested homeowners can access the free report at www.Michigan-Garden.com to learn more about the many benefits of rain barrels and the wide variety of styles and sizes available.

Hicks believes that harvesting rainwater is a worthwhile pursuit. "There are many benefits to buying and installing a rain barrel but the main one is the smile you will have during every rainstorm just knowing that you are saving money and helping the environment all at the same time."