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DNREC YouTube video 'DIY Rain Barrels' teaches wise use of water

June 17, 2014

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s YouTube Channel has premiered a video highlighting the importance of using water-wise techniques around the home to help improve water quality. The “DIY Rain Barrels” video explains why stormwater runoff is a big problem for Delaware.

The video focuses on a low-cost technique for building a rain barrel with a kit from a local home improvement store, by using a water-tight container such as a plastic drum or curbside trash can.

“DIY Rain Barrels” delves into how the barrels handle potential runoff by storing rain water for times when it’s needed for productive use. Collected water can later be applied to gardens and absorbed by beneficial vegetation and the soil below it.

A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores the water from roofs and downspouts for future uses such as watering lawns, gardens, and house plants; cleaning off gardening tools; and washing cars.

This effort supports Gov. Jack Markell’s Clean Water for Delaware’s Future initiative - a comprehensive plan for cleaning up Delaware’s bays, rivers and streams so they meet water quality standards for drinking, swimming, and supporting fish and other aquatic life.

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