2017 Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign

Thanks to all who painted and purchased rain 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 wishes to thank everyone who participated in this year's program.  Four rain barrels were beautifully decorated this year by local artists to reflect the first ever campaign theme - Lake Erie Starts Here!  What a tremendous job they did creatively capturing this important message!  The sale of the barrels successfully raised $700 for the District's community education programs. 

(updated October 19, 2017) 

"Lake Erie Reflections"

Painted by Mary Samide

* * * SOLD * * *

(E. Lange)

"A Healthy Watershed is a Happy Watershed"

Painted by Taryn Zwolinski

* * * SOLD * * *

(S.Pasquarelli)

"Sunset at Corning Lake"

Painted by Yvonne Delgado Thomas

* * * SOLD * * *

(E. Lange)

"Chordata"

Painted by Byron Leffler

* * * SOLD * * *

(P. Patterson)

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. 

Learn more by reading our Geauga SWCD 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!  In August and September of each year, the decorated rain barrels are placed on display and available for silent bidding at various locations throughout Geauga County and on the District website by emailing clair@geaugaswcd.com.  Minimum bids start at $90, and a $200 bid can also “Buy It Now”!  Any sold barrels will be indicated on our website and locations are subject to change with barrel sales.  Remaining barrels will be available for final bids at the Geauga SWCD Annual Meeting in the fall of each year.  The District also sells undecorated rain barrels year round and at their annual Tree Sale.  Please call 440-834-1122 for more information.

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 will now be selling 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 $80.00 each can be picked up at the Geauga SWCD Office at 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, Ohio 44021.

Orders can be placed by calling 440-834-1122 x0 or by emailing the District at clair@geaugaswcd.com.  

Below are some links where downspout diverters may be purchased that fit the application you need.

www.aquabarrel.com

www.simplyrainbarrels.com

www.rain2O.com

www.rainreserve.com