The Good Life – September-October 2020

Taming the Rain
WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER
There is something about the whisper of gentle rain on a
summer evening. A low hum emits from the earth as the
ground soaks up the life-giving moisture. But what happens
when the water runs off, instead of soaking into the soil?
Pavement and concrete abound in Fargo-Moorhead, and
rainwater runs quickly off these surfaces straight into the
storm drains. Carrying everything from silt and clay to oil and
other pollutants, the contaminants soon find their way to the
Red River. The myriad of life in the river is affected by this
influx of microscopic debris. Our drinking water is affected
as well.
ONE OF THE EASIEST THINGS
A HOMEOWNER CAN DO
IS TO INSTALL A RAIN BARREL.
There are steps we can take to reduce the effect of polluted
runoff. One of the easiest things a homeowner can do is
to install a rain barrel. A rain barrel is merely a 55-gallon
barrel perched near a downspout coming off a home's roof.
A tremendous amount of water rushes off a typical home
during a rain event. For instance, a half-inch of rain falling
on a 1,000 square foot roof will result in over 300 gallons
of water. When the barrel is full, a diverter will drain off the
excess water.
The harvested water can be used in a variety of places.
Rainwater is better for plants as it has a superior purity and
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