Rain Barrel

This fact sheet describes an innovative rainwater harvesting system used to irrigate produce at the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs's garden in Frederick, Maryland. The rainwater harvesting system has diverted stormwater, increased food security, and improved well-being in the community. Authors: Mayhah Suri and Dr.Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein; Title: Watering Seeds of Change with Rainwater (FS-1123)

Impervious surfaces* such as roofs, increase runoff by preventing rain water from being absorbed into the ground. In precipitation events, stormwater runs over impervious surfaces and picks up pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended sediments, organic chemicals, heavy metals, and oil which are washed directly into our storm systems and local waterways.