The GreenSpot Rain Barrel program has launched for its third season, running from April 1st through October 31st, with the ambition of encouraging residents to “go beyond rain barrels.” For 2013, we encourage homeowners to install a rain barrel, if that decision works for them, but also to think about larger rain water storage options, rain gardens or other infiltration practices, to look at their fertilizer use, to reduce streamside mowing, and to plant more trees. These practices, when instituted widely across the county will make a real difference in our streams.
Developed by the City of Columbus and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District in 2011, the GreenSpot Rain Barrel Program has grown to include multiple communities and has reached over 2,000 participants in Franklin County.
The program helps homeowners understand how stormwater runoff affects local water quality, streambank erosion and flooding and how they can save money and conserve water and energy by not using potable water for landscaping or gardens.
Learn about the benefits of rain barrels and the hazards of stormwater and purchase your 45-gallon terracotta-colored rain barrel either online or at an in-person workshop. It's just $55 either way!
What can you do to GREEN your home? Register as a GreenSpot!
It's simple, really. It takes just three key commitments to making your home a greener place: Conserve Energy, Conserve Water, and Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. Within each, you decide which lifestyle changes fit you and your home best.
With just a few small changes you can help the environment and create a more environmentally-friendly home. When you go shopping think about buying more energy efficient and eco-friendly products for your home. Here are a few green living tips to help you get started in your home and to build green communities in Columbus. After you've read these green ideas pledge to make your home a green home!
Why join GreenSpot? For a couple of really good reasons, actually. One, it's a small thing you can do to make a big impact on the health and future of Columbus. Two, it couldn't be easier.
Ready to get green?
Make Your Household a GreenSpot!Once you've joined GreenSpot or if you are already a GreenSpot Member and haven't participated in the rain barrel program before. You can move forward to the next step.
Now that you've registered your household as a GreenSpot member, you can move on to the Online Self-Study Course. You can continue now, before receiving your GreenSpot confirmation.
This course will:
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District has a no-refund policy for all of its programs (unless we are at fault). Please consider this before you order.
See Eligibility & Restrictions.Click the map icon to see a map of the workshop dates & locations throughout the county.
Workshop Facilitated By: Friends of Alum Creek, Friends of The Lower Olentangy, Metro Parks
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District has a no-refund policy for all of its programs (unless we are at fault). Please consider this before registering. An immediate family member may attend in your place, or, if there is another workshop still available, you may attend that one if you contact us three days before.
See Eligibility & Restrictions.West Nile virus is increasingly becoming a concern in the Midwest, as an increasing number of illnesses and deaths are blamed on the virus. Mosquitoes tend to breed in wet areas, and the mosquito that carries and transmits West Nile virus is found where there is decaying organic matter and wet conditions. Recommendations to reduce populations of mosquitoes include source reduction of mosquito breeding sites and avoidance of biting mosquitoes. Recommendations for reducing breeding sites include eliminating or emptying artificial water collection containers described as prime breeding spots for the mosquito species implicated in the transmission of West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 7 to 10 days.
By taking these precautions, your properly protected rain barrels can actually help prevent unwanted mosquito breeding by eliminating the standing water which results from a heavy rainfall.
What are the product specifications for the rain barrel?
The EarthMinded™ RainStation45™ is a simple-to-use and attractive rain barrel for home rainwater collection and storage. The large capacity rain barrel connects to your downspout and automatically collects runoff water from your home's roof.
Capacity: 45 gallons
Color: Terracotta
Dimensions: 35.35” tall x 23.5” diameter
When will I receive my rain barrel?
If you are making your purchase via the online program, you will be required to pick up your rain barrel at the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District office, 1328 Dublin Road, Suite 101, Columbus 443215, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some Saturday pick-up dates scheduled once a month.
If you have opted to attend an in-person workshop, you will receive your rain barrel at the conclusion of the event. Special shipping, delivery or pickup arrangements will not be made. This ensures that rain barrels can be provided at a low cost.
What if I cannot make a rain barrel workshop?
There are many workshop dates scheduled. If you cannot make it to any of the scheduled workshops, try ordering online to allow you the opportunity to pick up Monday though Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin Soil and Water office at 1328 Dublin Rd., Suite 101.
Will I need a large vehicle or truck in order to transport my rain barrel home?
No. The rain barrel can be easily lifted into the back seat of a car as small as a Mini Cooper/Smart Car for transportation home.
Can I purchase more than one rain barrel?
Due to high demand, we can offer only one discounted rain barrel per household. If you have participated in the Green-Spot Rain Barrel Program in previous years you are not eligible to participate or purchase a barrel through this program. However, rain barrels of the same model or similar are sold at many local retailers.
If I am unsatisfied with my rain barrel, can I return my purchase?
No. All sales are final. Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District has a NO-Refund policy for all of its programs (unless we are at fault). Please consider this before registering. An immediate family member may attend in your place, or, if there is another workshop still available, you may attend that one if you contact us three days before.
Do I have to purchase any other required parts?
All required parts and attachments are included with the rain barrel. You will need a hand drill and a screw driver for installation. The hole saw attachment for a drill does come with the rain barrel. There are some optional items you may want to consider purchasing at a local retailer, including a riser to elevate your barrel, pumps and soaker hoses. You will learn about these options and local retailers during your workshop.
Do I have to purchase and/or construct a rain barrel riser/stand?
A riser is optional but recommended, in order to optimize water pressure. Ideally, the barrel should be elevated two feet from the ground. There are many ways to build a riser and ideas on how to do this will be provided to you during your workshop.
Can you help me install my rain barrel?
No. However, it is easy to install your new rain barrel and instructions will be provided during your workshop. You can download a rain barrel user manual on our website to learn about the installation process. If you cannot install the barrel on your own, you can hire a local ‘handyman’ business to assist you.
What are the requirements for the in-person workshop?
You can see all restrictions and eligibility requirements here, but this is the short and sweet version.
What are the requirements for the online workshop?
You can see all restrictions and eligibility requirements here, but this is the short and sweet version.
What if I have additional questions not answered here?
Please refer to the EarthMinded™ RainStation™ website FAQ page for information on the following: Installation, Use and Maintenance, and Trouble Shooting.
Other questions can be answered by Franklin Soil and Water staff by calling or emailing us below:
(614)486-9613Home owners who live in a participating community are eligible to attend an in-person workshop where they participate in a rain barrel and stormwater presentation and take the rain barrel home with them. The communities participating in 2013 are unincorporated Franklin County (townships outside of municipalities), Canal Winchester, Columbus, Gahanna, Hilliard, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington.
All homeowners, residing in their homes in Franklin County, are eligible to participate in the online program. Homeowners watch a slideshow and take a brief quiz. After passing the quiz on these topics, the homeowner can order a rain barrel via PayPal. The barrel is then picked up at the Franklin Soil and Water office at 1328 Dublin Road, Suite 101, Columbus 43215 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. One day a month, the office will also be open Saturday morning for pick-up. The Saturday pick-up day for April is April 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Because the GreenSpot Rain Barrel Program is primarily focused on stormwater education, not simply selling rain barrels, homeowners who have participated in the program in the past are not eligible to purchase another rain barrel. There are several local retailers selling the same or similar rain barrels.