Harvesting The Rain (and its rewards)

When I hear thunder, I think of my garden soaking up all that rainwater and I know my rain barrels will fill up so I can water well after the storm. We use mostly rainwater for our garden beds, planters and potted plants, including our homemade lettuce table (pictured here) – and we enjoy the rewards (fresh salads, served daily!).

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My goal is to use as little tap water as possible for our garden and what I jokingly call our “crops.” Our crops include a 3-tiered planter where we’re growing herbs, arugula, garlic, chives and peas; a lettuce table (made of scrap wood by my super stepdad); and a half dozen pots packed with cherry and grape tomatoes, hot peppers and more herbs.

I’m relatively new to rainwater harvesting’ but the practice of collecting rainwater for personal and household use is not a new one. People around the world have created systems – from simple to quite complex – for collecting and later using natural rainwater for watering plants, pets and even people.

Clay barrels were used to catch and hold water as early as the 3rd Century B.C., according to this ezine article on the history of rainwater barrels. In ancient Greece and Rome, cisterns or caches were built underground (such as the one at right) to collect water and help cool the surrounding courtyard through evaporation.

The barrel itself started being used for transporting wine, oils and other liquids during the Roman Empire around 300 A.D. The barrel became the standard shipping containers used for many materials – including nails, coins, whiskey, wine and, eventually, water.

What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams, according to the EPA. A typical rain barrel is a 55-gallon drum with a hose connected to a gutter downspout on the side of a building or home.

Since lawn and garden watering make up about 40% of total water use in America during the summer (per the EPA), using a rain barrel can help significantly to reduce household use of treated water and keep additional rainwater from washing down the storm drains and into streams.

A rain barrel can save an average homeowner about 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months, which saves money and energy from the decreased demand for treated water (EPA). Rain barrels are an easy way to get a consistent supply of fresh water for outdoor use, FREE.

Natural rainwater is also better for plants and gardens because it is untreated and naturally “soft,” so it doesn’t have things like minerals or chlorine, which is used to disinfect and treat city water that goes inside the home.

Today, you can buy rain barrels that are functional and stylish, such as the one we bought at a local hardware store (right) that has a pleasant shape and look, and a built-in planting area on top. I put in a variety of curly-leafed coleus plants for a pop of color.

The end of the hose on this design has a small lever to open and close it and we installed a clip to hold it up so it doesn’t drip. It’s connected via another diversion hose to our gutter downspout so water enters from the side and no debris or bugs can get inside.

We’ve only got one issue with this rain barrel: low water pressure. We wait for watering cans to fill, which takes longer as the barrel empties out and the pressure gets lower. Partly, I blame the manufacturers and promoters of rain barrels for this because they almost always show rain barrels installed on the ground.

But to get rain barrels to really pour properly, you need help from gravity (much like the water towers and tanks I’ve written about) – and that means installing them off the ground. We put this lesson to use when we installed our second rain barrel and used a concrete block as its base. We’re going to raise the pretty rain barrel using cinder blocks as soon as it’s empty.

We got our 2nd rain barrel FREE from the City of Chicago when they installed a water meter in our home. Although not attractive, it works fine – and fast! – and fills watering cans 10 times faster than our prettier barrel (for now, at least) and it sits in the side yard so it doesn’t take away from the lovely views of the garden.

We have drip hoses installed in 2 parts of our yard and we connect the barrel to the drip hose for those beds and can water without wasting a drop or getting any on the sidewalk. It’s a good way to soak the soil to get deep into the plant root systems.

Every time we get a big storm in Chicago, I know I won’t have to turn on the outside tap to keep my garden green another week. And I can once again go outside and enjoy the lovely – and tasty – rewards we’ve grown by harvesting the rain.

 

 

 

Written By: Keri B. Lynch, Chicago-based freelance writer

Chris Kayondo

Chris Kayondo

Treasurer, USA

Chris Kayondo

Rachel Pringle

Global WASH Manager

Rachel Pringle

Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.

Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.

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Lorraine Alva

Lorraine Alva

Director, UAE

Lorraine Alva

I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.

Laila Al Yousuf

Laila Al-Yousuf

Director, UAE
Design Director at Say Studio

Laila Al-Yousuf

I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.

Jennie Stallings

Jennie Stallings

Director, UAE
Partner/Commercial Manager at ChelseaGREEN

Jennie Stallings

With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.

Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.

Trisha Bhagat

Trisha Bhagat

Treasurer, USA
Associate Director, Business Compliance at Abbvie

Trisha Bhagat

I love that Surge is committed to helping our global communities be healthier and happier. I resonate deeply with Surge’s sustainable approach that allows communities to stand on their own and flourish. I feel very fortunate that I get to volunteer with some amazing passionate people; it makes me feel like I’m part of a global family. Professionally, I work in audit and compliance, and I enjoy applying these analytical skills, as well as my creative side, towards growing Surge.

Scott Minger

Scott Minger

Development Chair, USA
Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels

Scott Minger

I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.

Sarah Lynch

Sarah Odde Lynch

Marketing & Communications Director, USA
Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BevSource

Sarah Odde Lynch

I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.

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Josh DeBartolo

Governing Board, USA
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Purview

Josh DeBartolo

Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.

Channa North Hoffstaed

Channa North-Hoffstaed

Board Chair, USA
VP Professional Services NA at Kinaxis

Channa North-Hoffstaed

I volunteer for Surge because of the commitment to provide sustainable and community-driven solutions to help end the cycle of poverty. There is a humility in partnering with communities that is truly transformative and long-lasting. Visiting Haiti and working directly with Surge’s field partners has so far been my most compelling experience with the organization. For me, seeing the strong community relationships reinforced the uniqueness of Surge’s approach to locally-led development. Through my professional consulting experience, I’ve provided strategic direction to several leading corporations. I really enjoy offering this service to Surge and simultaneously turning it into tactical execution. In my free time, you’ll likely find me training for my next marathon.

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Chris Beukenkamp

Governing Board, USA
Senior Director, Technology and AI Strategy at Salesforce

Chris Beukenkamp

Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.

Anna Paul

Anna Paul

Operations Director, USA
Director of Administration for the Village of Barrington Hills

Anna Paul

We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.

Florence Ringe

Florence Ringe

Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda

Florence Ringe

I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Director, ASSHLA, Haiti

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.

Ashley Quinlan

Ashley Quinlan

Operations & Development Manager

Ashley Quinlan

As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.

Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.

Marita Peters

Marita Peters

Executive Director, UAE

Marita Peters

Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.

Shilpa Alva

Shilpa Alva

Founder, Executive Director, Board Member

Shilpa Alva

I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.

See our founder, Shilpa Alva at TEDx