Rain Barrels for Water Recycling
Collecting rain to water landscapes and gardens increases the amount of treated water that is available for drinking, cooking and bathing. Rainwater harvesting also reduces utility bills and is not subject to Cary's year-round outdoor watering restrictions.
Instructions for making your own rain barrel
As a community service, the Town sells rain barrels throughout the year in conjunction with Wake County Environmental Services. These Rain Water Solutions barrels of recycled plastic hold 65 gallons and cost $65. Purchase them with cash, check made out to the Town of Cary, or credit card at these Cary community centers:
- Bond Park Community Center, 150 Metro Park Drive, (919) 462-3970
- Herbert C. Young Community Center, 404 N. Academy St., (919) 460-4965
- Middle Creek Community Center, 123 Middle Creek Park Ave., (919) 771-1295
9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday (Year-round)
1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday (After Labor Day until Memorial Day)
Rainwater harvesting can be as simple as catching rain in a bucket or as elaborate as collecting rain from gutters, filtering, storing it in huge underground cisterns, and pumping for large-scale irrigation. Additional benefits include:
- Reducing dependence on the municipal water system to provide water for landscape use.
- Decreasing erosion and flooding, and helping to control chronically wet areas in the yard.
- Lessening the amount of fertilizer and other pollutants that wash into storm drains with rainwater
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, keep the screen in good repair and replace it promptly if damaged. Use the plugs and caps provided with the Rain King's rain barrel to keep mosquitoes from entering.
The Town of Cary harvests rainwater and uses alternative water sources at several facilities.
The Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs uses rain barrels and a rainwater collection system for its backyard wildlife demonstration area. Bond Park, the Cary Senior Center, Thomas Brooks Park and the Kids Together playground also employ alternatives to the Town's water system for some purposes.
Cary's wastewater treatment plants reclaim treated wastewater for irrigation at Middle Creek School/Park and North Cary Park.
Recycling Water Indoors
Another innovative practice is recycling gray water - untreated wastewater that comes from sinks, showers, and toilets.
Links
Rainwater harvesting in Austin, Texas
N.C. Cooperative Extension on rain gardens (see page 5)