Why is getting a rain barrel good for GHI?
In many areas of GHI the underground stormwater management system is aging and the old pipes are not able to handle the volume of the rainwater in heavy storms. This causes backups of storm drains next to homes. Each year the GHI coop spends approximately $103,000 on resolving drainage problems and repairing underground stormwater drainpipes. Installing a rain barrel can help reduce GHI resources and staff time devoted to dealing with rain runoff problems. This also helps to reduce coop bills for all GHI members. Why can’t I just use a garbage can or other large can as a rain barrel? Even the best built trash cans are not designed to hold water, and often warp and crack open under the weight of the water. (A 60 gallon rain barrel weighs 500 pounds when it’s full!) Also, a rain barrel needs a secure lid and quality screening in order to prevent it from becoming a drowning hazard for children and a breeding place for mosquitoes. How much rain water does a barrel really collect? The amoun