– Samantha Tenpenny
Twenty Fort Hays State University AGRI 301 Home Horticulture students constructed rain barrels on Thursday, April 24, at the Kansas State University Research Center in Hays. Under an Educational Opportunity Fund, received from the FHSU Student Government Association for water conservation / quality work, two additional agriculture students participated in the project as well.
The “Roll Out the Rain Barrels” program has assisted in conserving water across the parched western half of Kansas since the spring of 2009. This service-learning project allows students to integrate academic curricula into the community and has continued to grow since its inception five years ago.
“There is a significant demand for the rain barrels. As water becomes more limited and watering restrictions tighter, the public recognizes the value of using ‘free’ water rather than having to pay the city for water from their tap,” said Jean Gleichsner, associate professor of agriculture and the class instructor.
On average, landscaping accounts for nearly 40 percent of household water usage during the summer months. Rain barrels have the potential of alleviating a significant portion of one’s water bill by collecting rain water, typically via the downspout of a gutter, to be used for watering purposes, she said.
“The rain barrel water is not drinkable but can be used to water plants and landscaping,” Gleichsner said.
The rain barrels connect directly to the home’s downspout and allow the rainwater or storm water coming off the roof to fill the barrel. Collecting rainwater and using it slowly on one’s landscape encourages infiltration, which helps prevent runoff of pollutants — including nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and E. coli bacteria — into local streams, creeks, and rivers.
“Collecting the rain water is beneficial for several reasons. Collecting runoff not only stops pollutants from running into larger bodies of water, but it reduces the amount of sediments that are carried into rivers and lakes. It also helps you save on your water bill without having to sacrifice the yard or garden you’ve always wanted. Water is a precious commodity here in Western Kansas, so every little bit helps,” said Cody Prosser, LaCrosse junior.
With an estimated construction time of 10 minutes per barrel, students were expected to construct as many rain barrels as possible during one of the two 2.5 hour shifts available on April 24. During that time nearly 400 barrels were built. More than 300 of those have already been bought and picked up by the public. The remaining barrels are available for purchase. The price is $26 per barrel, with a limit of four barrels per person.
“Barrels sold through commercial businesses can cost over $100. This is a great way for students to connect with the community and perform a service that has some real value as they teach the community about water conservation and how to protect the quality of our drinking water,” Gleichsner said.
Materials for this project are funded by Kansas State University Watersheds, Kansas State Research and Extension Service, the City of Hays, and Ellsworth County Soil and Water Conservation District. Coca-Cola provides free 55-gallon plastic barrels, and the remaining items are purchased from Home Depot, S & W Supply Co. and Schaben Industries.
“This was a really neat experience. I enjoyed seeing firsthand how a group of young people can come together for a shared cause and solve a specific and relevant issue within their community,” Prosser said.
Those wanting an order form or seeking more information may contact Gleichsner at jgleichs@fhsu.edu or Stacie Minson, Smoky Hill River Kanopolis-Lake Watershed specialist, at sedgett@ksu.edu. For more information on the “Roll Out the Rain Barrels” program or water-quality protection, visit their website.