Rain barrels - affordable

Dear Garden Lovers,

From this mornings seed meeting, we have the contact information for an affordable, locally made rain barrel, that is screened against bugs, and easy to use.
Here's some information from elsewhere on the net:

Singing in the RainHarvesting the Treasure from the Sky
Feature sponsored by Friends of Cortes Island Water Stewardship Project

$55 - Lantzville, Phone: (250)390-5199

Article:
"I literally got hooked on rain barrels. I started out with one and I just had to have more. I added another and another and now I've got 12 rain barrels to catch the rainwater off my house," says Dirk Becker. "To my amazement, they can fill up in as little as 20 minutes (over 500 gallons). I'm also thrilled by how well our plants respond to the warm rainwater and the micro-nutrients it contains. And by using rainwater in the garden, we draw less water from the well, so it's less likely to run dry."

Becker lives with his partner Tanis Dagert on a small farm in Lantzville on the east side of Vancouver Island. He studies how methods of food production affect water, soil, and the Earth in general. From that study came one of Dirk's well-being projects, one that could benefit hundreds of gardens and a multitude of water-dependent creatures on Georgia Strait. Dirk makes rainwater collection barrels and sells them at a substantially lower cost than most such devices. "It became obvious to me that I needed to encourage others to participate in enjoying this treasure from the sky rather than getting rid of it," says Becker.

Dirk spent months researching rain collection systems all over North America. He found that the most efficient and economical way to collect rainwater safely is with used 45 gallon food grade plastic barrels. Now he assembles and sells these barrels, ready to catch the next downpour, with a brass tap for a hose at the bottom and a hole in the top for a downspout, as well as bug screen to keep out insects.

The barrels sell for only $55 with the fittings, almost half of what they cost from other sources. Further, for every barrel sold through an environmental group, Dirk donates $5 back to the group. "My goal is for everyone on Vancouver Island to be collecting and using precious rainwater," says Becker, who admits he will also help facilitate delivery to the BC mainland when he can.

Dirk Becker might not get rich with his rain barrels, but he and the communities that use his product will be rich in the most satisfying way: they will know they are making a difference. "Now when it rains, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are filling our barrels, caring for our gardens, and replenishing our supplies of a vital and diminishing resource."

* Contact: Dirk Becker, 7560 Fernmar Road, Lantzville, BC. Ph: (250)390-5199 for directions.
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Best, Jen