2021 Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign

Thanks to all who painted and purchased barrels!

Since 2006 Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has been sponsoring its Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign.  Through this creative community initiative, local artists transform 55-gallon recycled plastics barrels into beautiful, repurposed rain barrels!  By collecting rooftop runoff for watering landscapes, lawns and flower gardens, these decorated rain barrels help save water, alleviate flooding and reduce stormwater pollution. 

Geauga SWCD sincerely thanks everyone who participated in this year's program!  Four talented artists (listed below) each painted a barrel to uniquely reflect Geauga County's natural, cultural, agricultural, or historical resources.  The sale of these barrels raised over $1700 for the District's community education programs.  Thanks for your support of this beneficial program combining art appreciation with water conservation.

BIDS ARE FINAL AS SHOWN BELOW - Scroll down to see all 4 barrels

THANK YOU TO ALL BIDDERS!!

"Pure geauga"

Painted by Beth Halasz

Read more about this barrel

FINAL BID - $425

  (A. Rodewig)

 "the magic of mycelium"

Painted by Julie Bell

Read more about this barrel

FINAL BID - $325

 (H. Bates)

 "Gone Fishing"

Painted by Bob Kolcum

Read more about this barrel

 FINAL BID - $650

(H. Bates)

"Summer waterfall"

Painted by Yvonne Delgado Thomas

Read more about this barrel

FINAL BID - $350

(L. Cook)

What is a Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to a storm drain or out onto your property. The collected water in the rain barrel can then be utilized for watering landscapes, lawns, and gardens, reducing water consumption and pollution.   

Why use a Rain Barrel?

Rain barrels work day in and day out to keep rainwater out of storm drains and sewers. Why is this important?  Every time it rains, unabsorbed water rushes to storm drains and directly into our local waterways. Often times this runoff carries with it pollutants it has picked up along the way.

How much water will you collect in your rain barrel?  

Believe it or not, for every inch of rain that falls on a catchment area of 1,000 square feet, you can expect to collect approximately 600 gallons of rainwater. Ten inches of rain falling on a 1,000 square foot catchment area will generate about 6,000 gallons of rainwater! That's right, 6,000 gallons! More than you were expecting?

However, rainwater-harvesting systems aren't necessarily 100% efficient. Most sources estimate efficiency between 70% and 90%. All rainwater-harvesting systems lose some of the rainwater. It may spill out of the gutters or the wind may blow it away. Evaporation will undoubtedly affect some of it. To maximize your collection of rainwater, you can use out buildings such as barns and sheds.  

Geauga SWCD's Rain Barrel Brochure

Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign          

Geauga SWCD’s Annual Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign has been a creative community initiative for over a decade!  Local artists and groups donate their time, talent, and materials to the District by painting the 55-gallon plastic barrels to creatively transform them into beautiful, repurposed rain barrels!  From August through October of each year, the decorated rain barrels are placed on display at various events in Geauga County and available for silent bidding at on the District website by emailing clair@geaugaswcd.com.  Minimum bids start at $100 but be sure to check current bid amouth for barrels prior to submitting a bid.  The District also sells undecorated rain barrels year round and at their annual Tree Sale.  

2021 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2020 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2019 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2018 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2017 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2015 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2014 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2013 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2012 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2011 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2010 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2009 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

 Rain Barrels For Sale

Geauga SWCD sells rain barrels throughout the year!   These clay colored, 50-gallon barrels are made from recycled polypropylene food grade barrels and have a spigot for easy watering.  They have lid that screws on and off and a screen to deter mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the water.  Each barrel weighs approximately 18 lbs. They are 34.5 inches high and 23 inches in diameter.

Barrels cost $90.00 each plus tax ($96.08) can be purchased at the Geauga SWCD Office at 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 240, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Please be sure to call first to confirm barrel availabity.

Orders can be placed by calling 440-834-1122 or by emailing the District at clair@geaugaswcd.com.  

Geauga SWCD's Rain Barrel Brochure

Looking for a DIVERTER for your new rain barrel? Downspout diverters may be purchased that fit the application you need. It is helpful to first do some research to see what best suits your rain barrel set up.  Here are some diverter options we recommend!