Bowie Lions Club

The Lions Club of Bowie
Maryland District 22C

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Welcome to the Bowie Lions Rain Barrel Program

Thank you for visiting the Bowie Lions Rain Barrel Program! We hope that you find the information presented here useful and informative.

What is a Rain Barrel and what is the Bowie Lions Rain Barrel Program?

Our goal is to offer an attractive and effective rain barrels. Our rain barrels are recycled food grade barrels made from high density polyethylene plastic. They are guaranteed to give several years of service with very little maintenance.

Are you new to recycling rain or water harvesting? Rain barrels (also called garden cisterns) are barrel shaped containers that capture rain water from your roof. Our rain barrels attach to your gutter's downspout enabling you to catch your roof's rain water and store it for later. When it's dry, you can water your plants and garden with your recycled rain water by attaching a hose to the brass spigot.

Rain water is great for plants because it's free of chlorine and other chemicals that are included in municipal water supplies. Recycled rain water will help you to have the best plants possible - from roses to home-grown tomatoes.

Rain barrels are especially useful during droughts and water rationing. It only takes a small amount of rain, usually 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch, on an average sized roof to fill up a rain barrel. Those 55 gallons will go a long way in saving a newly-planted tree or small garden. Need more water? Add a second or third rain barrel.

Rain barrels are great for the environment because they reduce water run-off. When it rains our roof water travels down our gutters and runs off of our lawn before it's able to be absorbed. Often our downspouts drain directly into the street. What a waste! In these situations the water carries fertilizers and oil from our lawns and streets into our precious waterways. The problem gets worse with urban sprawl and in our area the water goes into the Chesapeake Bay. By capturing rain and releasing it slowly water is returned to the environment at the rate that nature intended.

Another added benefit is that you will now have an additional faucet to water with; maybe in an area that you may not have had one before. That can be a big convenience. Our barrels come with two brass spigots that garden, soaker hoses or a drip line can be attached.

Rain Barrels can also help relieve poor drainage areas. Catch the downpours from your gutter attach a garden hose to the overflow spigot located at the top of the rain barrel and direct the overflow hose to other areas of your yard.

Rain Barrels also reduce water bills, though saving money is not usually the number one reason people use them. Still, what a nice added bonus - free water!

Using a rain barrel is fun. If you like to garden or conserve, you will really enjoy having a rain barrel.

To distribute your recycled rain water to your plants, you can use watering pails, garden hoses, soaker hoses or even homemade PVC pipe drip-systems. Soaker hoses work great; just remove the plastic washer (or pressure reducer) insert from the female end of the hose.

You can even decorate your rain barrel here is just one example of what a person did with a Bowie Lions rain barrel. Select the image to see a larger version.

Bowie Lions Club Barrel Specifications:

Barrels are very durable, constructed of high quality polyethylene plastic
Barrels are recycled food containers
Kid and pet proof with a solid lid
55 gallon capacity
Two brass spigots one for draining off water and the other for an overflow
Screened downspout inlet to keep out leaves and debris
Available in blue or white and can be painted

Rain Barrel Precautions:

Most importantly - Never allow children to play or climb on rain barrels!
Children should never operate a rain barrel unsupervised. Climbing on, or tipping over could be dangerous.
Never operate a rain barrel without a Top. The top keeps mosquitoes, leaves, debris and people from entering your rain barrel.
Never operate a defective or structurally unsound rain barrel. Drain it, then repair or replace.
Rain barrels are heavy once filled with water, about 400 lbs.
Rain Barrels are for plants only and are not to be used for Pet or Human drinking water.
Do not use if your house has Asbestos roofing shingles.

Maintenance:

Keep your gutters free of leaves, pine needles other debris, especially in the fall. In the spring, buds can accumulate in your gutters and gutter extension as well. Remove as needed.
Keep the Top free of leaves and debris.
You may clean the inside of your rain barrel, if needed, by spraying out with a hose and then draining it. If you keep most of the leaves out, you may have to do nothing at all.
Occasionally inspect and check your over-flow hose, connections and make sure your water flow is flowing properly - down the gutter's downspout, into the rain barrel and excess water exiting from there

Installing a rain barrel

Installing a rain barrels is a fairly easy job that most people do themselves. Otherwise, please get help if needed.

Before you start, make sure that your gutter is clear of debris. Please see the photos below for reference, for a larger image select the photo you wish to view.

Select a place for your rain barrel under a down spout on level, solid ground free of any rocks, roots or debris that can make your rain barrel rock from side to side. Remove leaves and organic material that will make your base soft and unsecured. Level the ground with a shovel or rake if needed.
We recommend raising your barrel a few inches by placing it on top of flat landscape / pavers-type stones. Make sure your pavers are sturdy and level. Raising your rain barrel a few inches off of the ground will give you more water pressure (range) and make it easier to reach for the faucet or use a watering can. Allow 1-3 inches or more of extra surface area on all sides of the foundation for the bottom of you rain barrel.
Place the rain barrel in position
Flex out (extend) your flexible gutter attachment several inches. Use your flexible gutter extension as a guide, cut the gutter downspout with a metal hack saw or metal cutting pliers, about 18 inches above the top of your rain barrel. In some cases the gutter doesn't have to be cut. Simply remove any gutter braces (straps) and remove that section of the gutter. The gutter extensions extend up to 24 inches so an exact measurement is not needed because the gutter flexes like an accordion.
Attach the gutter extension to the downspout and secure with two screws (optional, but recommended). Rest the other end on the top of your rain barrel.

Level the ground below your paver stones

Using your Gutter Extension as a guide, cut your downspout

Attach your Flexible Gutter Extension, and put your rain barrel in place.

Order your rain barrel today by calling the Bowie Lions at 301-262-2665 and leave your name and phone number. Someone will call to confirm your order and make any additional arrangements. Rain Barrels come ready for installation. Cost is $75.00 per barrel