Alexandria community members are invited to learn how to build their own rain barrel at a workshop event at Charles E. Beatley Central Library (5005 Duke Street) on Tuesday, April 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

The workshop is hosted by the City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division, Alexandria Library, and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) as part of Alexandria Earth Month. Participants will take home a custom-made rain barrel for their yard or garden at a reduced product cost of $55. Registration is required in advance through the NVSWCD website.

The City recommends using rain barrels to collect and store runoff from roofs and release it slowly or use it around the yard instead of it eventually flowing into the storm sewer system. The use of rain barrels is also eligible for credits, or reductions, to Stormwater Utility (SWU) Fees through the SWU Fee Credit Program.

Spots are first-come, first-serve and are based on rain barrel availability. 

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

Find the full calendar of events throughout April on the City’s Earth Month website.  

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