The BPA Board Member and White Oak Bayou Watershed Representative
Evelyn Born Shanley provided the instructions for making your own rain barrel
to collect rainwater and use it in your garden.

Stormwater runoff rain barrels and cisterns are roof water management devices that provide retention storage volume in above or underground storage tanks. They reduce the amount of stormwater leaving a site and can then be used for water supply. Reuse of collected stormwater can provide an opportunity for water conservation and the possibility of reducing water utility costs. Rain barrels are low-cost, effective and easily maintainable devices for both residential and commercial uses, while cisterns can provide storage for greater than 10,000 gallons of stormwater.

You can also make compost tea in your rain barrel! Click here to see how... (PDF)

"Protecting and restoring the richness and diversity of our waterways"