wa·ter foot·print – the amount of fresh water utilized in the production or supply of the goods and services used by a particular person or group.

Did you know? The average American uses approximately 2,000 gallons of water a day through their home, yard, diet, energy, and consumer choices! The good news is that there are plenty of easy ways to reduce your water footprint and help recharge our rivers, lakes, wetlands, and underground aquifers with clean water. Check out the resources below and learn more about reducing your water footprint with River Network’s Project Rain Barrel.

Water Conservation Resources

• • Estimate your household’s water footprint using the Water Footprint Calculator
  • Pledge to conserve water with Change the Course
  • Check out Residential Water Efficiency Tips and WaterSense for more ways to save water at home
  • Explore simple tips for saving water

Project Rain Barrel

Coordinated by River Network

Installing a rain barrel at your home or community building is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to start reducing your water footprint. You’ll save money on your water bill by collecting free rainwater to water gardens, trees, and lawns. This reduces demand for treated tap water, limits stormwater runoff and erosion, and saves water for use during droughts. The average homeowner can save up to 1,300 gallons of water per year with a single 55-gallon rain barrel!

Project Rain Barrel (previously known as the National Rain Barrel Program) is a collaboration between River Network, Coca-Cola North America, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and local host organizations across the U.S. and Canada. The program facilitates public rain barrel making workshops by supplying host organizations with free materials, workshop planning support, and event promotion.

Are you interested in getting an affordable, upcycled rain barrel for your home or community building?
Visit our Community Events page to find a rain barrel making workshop near you! Please contact the host organization for details about specific workshops. Please Note: Check back in a few weeks if you don’t see any rain barrel workshops listed. We will start scheduling 2018 workshops in late 2017. Also be sure to follow the Project Rain Barrel Facebook page for event updates.

Are you interested in hosting a rain barrel workshop?
Please review the Project Rain Barrel Workshop Planning Guide for detailed requirements and deadlines. The program application is available at the end of the guide. Ahora disponible en espanol.

Has your organization recently completed a Project Rain Barrel workshop?
Please submit your post-event report.