The City of Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) Stormwater Management Division will host a Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street) on Saturday, July 8,  from 2 – 4 p.m. Each rain barrel costs $55 and you must register in advance here for this Workshop through the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Space is limited. Building your own rain barrel reduces the upfront cost of the barrel and also creates a custom-made product unique to your property.

This program is in partnership with the Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Partnership Program. You can attend any of the build-your-own rain barrel workshops hosted by the partnership throughout the Northern Virginia area.

The City recommends using rain barrels to collect and store runoff from roofs that would otherwise flow into the storm sewer network. By making use of residential rain barrels, they offer the following benefits:

• The rainwater stored in these barrels is naturally soft, and better for washing cars or watering indoor/outdoor plants than municipal water treated with dissolved minerals.
• Save money and water! Using saved water from rain barrels instead of tap water for home landscapes can help reduce your municipal water bill.
• The City offers credits towards your stormwater utility fee for installing and properly using a rain barrel on your property.
• Protect the Chesapeake Bay! Water stored in your rain barrel won't rush off into our streams. Instead, using the stored rainwater around the home and garden will absorb slowly into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jessica.lassetter@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4127, Virginia Relay 711.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4691