EXTENSION REPORT

Collect Rain Water and Save!

Sometimes rainwater is available when we don’t need it and other times when we need it, it’s not available. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to save rain water for a dry day or to use during times of a drought? In some third world countries, rain water is collected on a regular basis, stored in large wooden barrels and with the use of smaller buckets to irrigate crops during the dry season.  In some countries, rain water is the only source of water and it is customary to use rain water for everything including drinking without testing for pathogens or other contaminants. This article will help urban residence and home owners use similar concepts to conserve water and in the process save money.

Water catchment systems have been used for many years to collect rain water from the roof into gutters and storage tanks. This water can then be used to water your lawn, to wash vehicles, cleaning equipment or irrigate your backyard garden.  Some of this water can also be used indoors for flushing toilets, laundry and drinking after testing, and in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards. Imagine the amount of water that could be saved by conducting all household chores with the use of rain water. In addition to spending less on water bills, you will also be helping to protect other resources; water catchment systems reduce the amount of water in our treatment plant, thus reducing the amount of input needed to treat a smaller quantity of water. This system also helps reduce runoff and the amount of minerals leached from the soils into the ground water system and rivers. Thus, mitigate the problem of cultural eutrophication; the build up of nutrients due to human activities, of water systems. 

The catchment system you choose would depend on your need, household size, future plans and other personal or financial reasons. It can be as simple as having a couple of 50 gallon barrels; most roofs are already installed with a guttering system to channel the water through the barrels. The barrels can be installed on a frame to allow for gravity flow or an investment in a small pump if gravity flow is not sufficient. Whatever system you choose, you will definitely save on the amount of gallons used.

If you need any additional information or are interested in the Water Catchment System, contact Michael McIntyre, Urban Regional Extension Agent at 251-574-8445 or 251-259-1265.

Estate Planning for Landowners With Taxable Estates

            There will be an Estate Planning for Landowners With Taxable Estates meeting at the Monroeville County Extension Office on 334 Agricultural Drive on October 17. The program will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The registration fee, which includes lunch, will be $70 per person if received by October 10th. Otherwise, the registration will be $90 per person. Make checks payable to SFWS or School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and mail to Robert Tufts, School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, AL  36849-5418. Attendance is limited to the first 32 registrants. For more information, call Robert Tufts at 334-844-1011 or email at tuftsra@auburn.edu.

Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Family Forest Landowner Conference

            The Alabama TREASURE Forest Association will sponsor the Family Forest Landowner Conference on Friday, November 2 beginning at lunch. The meeting will be held at the Riverview Plaza Hotel in historic downtown Mobile. For more information, call 888-240-4694.

Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Wildlife/Forestry Festival   

The Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Wildlife/Forestry Festival will be Saturday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Homestead in Chunchula. There will be a $5 admission with children under 10 free. Living heritage demonstrations include: smokehouse, cane mill, grist mill, turpentine, soap and candle making, butter churning, and wood carving. Wildlife and forestry equipment will be on display. Family activities will include: Petty Zoo, pony rides, kids hands-on craft area, covered wagon ride, archery, horseshoe and washer competition. Also included are arts and crafts, live music by Southern Gospel & Bluegrass, and good food. For more information, call 888-240-4694.

Email address: mnm0001@auburn.edu
Phone: (251) 937-7176
October 11, 2007

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability