The City of Alexandria invites residents to build their own rain barrel at a workshop event at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street) on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The workshop provides residents with an opportunity to reduce upfront costs of a rain barrel and create a custom-made product unique to their property. Participants are required to register in advance through the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District website. Space is limited.

The event is coordinated by the Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Partnership Program, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) Stormwater Management Division, and Alexandria Library. Participants may 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. The use of residential rain barrels provides several benefits, including:

• Storing rainwater that is naturally soft and better for washing card or watering plants compared to municipal water treated with dissolved minerals.
• Reducing your municipal water bill and saving money by using saved water from rain barrels instead of tap water for home landscaping. 
• Protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Water stored in a rain barrel won't rush off into streams. Instead, using the stored rainwater around the home and garden will absorb slowly into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.
• Qualifying your residence for credits towards your Stormwater Utility Fee (SWU) if rain barrels are installed and properly used. Click on the link for more information on how to apply for the SWU Credit Program. 

To register and attend the workshop, residents must first register on the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation website.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Jessica.lassetter@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4127