Kentuckians use nearly 70 gallons of water per person per day. By reducing the amount of water we each use, we can conserve energy, save money, and better prepare for water shortages and drought situations. Rain barrels are an inexpensive means of conserving water by collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, roughly 1,300 gallons of water can be saved during peak summer months by using a rain barrel. The City of Glasgow MS4 coordinator and the Barren County Horticulture Agent collaborated to host a rain barrel workshop for a reasonable price to county residents.

The Rain Barrel workshop equips participants with the information needed to obtain, install, use and maintain a rain barrel. Barren County Horticulture Agent presented the Rain Barrel program to 19 participants. As a result of this program, 74% stated that they will install a rain barrel at their home within the next 2 months, and 84% reported that they will learn more about and adopt other water management practices that protect and/or conserve water resources. Sixteen participants completed a survey about their level of understanding before and after the program, 69% reported a better understanding of what a rain barrel is, and 75% had an increased knowledge of why a rain barrel is important.

There were 16 rain barrels constructed and the participants took them home for installation the same night. The partnership with the City of Glasgow MS4 coordinator and the crew she brought to help build the barrels helped make the workshop a huge success.