Rain barrels can be placed under a roof downspout to collect stormwater runoff that can be used for watering your lawn and gardens. This reduces runoff that carries pollutants into streams and rivers.

The Recycling Association of Minnesota organizes rain barrel sales every spring and summer. Rain barrels can also be purchased at many hardware, landscaping and home improvement stores. 

Assemble your own rain barrel 

You can assemble your own rain barrel. An online brochure, available from the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, has more information on using, buying or building a rain barrel.