Last year,
Harrisburg resident Jean Cutler established the Harrisburg Rain Barrel Coalition
(HRBC) to lessen stormwater runoff in the city that contributes significant
pollution to local streams and the Susquehanna River and causes localized
flooding and sewer overflows. Rain
barrels are a simple, cost-effective option for managing stormwater and can be
easily attached to downspouts to capture roof runoff. The stored water can be used to water plants
and gardens and can help reduce water bills.
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| Image: Harrisburg Rain Barrel Coalition |
Over the past
year, the HRBC has held multiple workshops at various locations throughout the
city, culminating in the well-attended Rain Barrel Festival. During these workshops, participants learn
how to install and maintain their rain barrels and they also learn about their
role in water quality protection and stormwater management. The Coalition uniquely combines artistic expression
with environmental issues and allows workshop participants to have fun while
creating awareness, as each participant can
personalize their barrel.
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| Image:Harrisburg Rain Barrel Coalition |
But the HRBC is
more than just rain barrels. By engaging
and educating citizens and local government, the Coalition is working to
develop and implement multiple green infrastructure practices, such as rain
gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers,
and increased urban tree planting. All
of these practices reduce polluted runoff more cost-effectively than traditional methods
and provide additional benefits including neighborhood beautification and
increased property values. The HRBC also
participated in the planning and presentation of the 2013 Environmental Leadership Training program, which consisted of 8
courses and graduated 24 environmental stewards and advocates.
There are plans for future rain barrel workshops, a demonstration rain garden, and additional environmental leadership training. Upcoming HRBC events include a tree planting in Harrisburg and rain barrel painting at the upcoming Wetlands Festival at Wildwood Park. To learn more about the HRBC or to volunteer, contact Jean Cutler at jecutler32 at gmail dot com.
Effective stormwater management
is essential to meeting Pennsylvania’s pollution limits under the Chesapeake
Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Periodically, we will feature the work of other clean water
advocates in the watershed as we work toward mutual goals and explore
collaboration.
Jen Quinn is central Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Harrisburg. She specializes in water quality issues.
