News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District have partnered to offer a free workshop for area residents to learn about the benefits of rain barrels and best practices for rainwater collection. This workshop will be held on January 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at OMWD’s headquarters located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.

Steve Sherman of California Landscape Technologies will provide an informative and interactive workshop including a tour of OMWD’s California-Friendly Demonstration Garden. Topics to be covered include installation and maintenance, design concepts and styles, downspouts and connections to rain barrels, rain chains in connection with rain barrels, and how to apply for rebates.

OMWD, SDWD, and SFID have partnered to offer discounted rain barrels to area residents. Fifty-gallon barrels are on sale for $97, with a final cost of $62 after a $35 rebate from water wholesaler Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Rain barrels ordered through February 29 will be available for pick up at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation located at 137 North El Camino Real in Encinitas.

Collecting rainwater for future use not only can save drinking water, but also reduces irrigation runoff that can carry pollutants into local waterways and beaches. Average rainfall in San Diego County is roughly ten inches annually and even light rain events can provide a sufficient amount of water for later use. For example, a roof with a 2,000-square-foot surface area can capture 300 gallons from only a quarter inch of rain.

Registration for the workshop is offered at www.olivenhain.com/events.

Visit www.olivenhain.com/events to order rain barrels, and www.socalwatersmart.com to apply for the rebate on rain barrels or other water-saving devices.