Wayne Averill Wayne Averill, owner of Ames Supply in Wiscasset presents a donated rain barrow to SVCA president Honor Fox Sage.

Ames Supply True Value Hardware in Wiscasset has donated a modern version of an old-fashioned rain barrel to Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association, to be used in irrigating the gardens at SVCA's office building in Sheepscot Village.

Residential water use can increase up to 50 percent during summer months. A rain barrel can be used to collect and store rainwater from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering. Over 100 gallons will pour off an average 1,000-square-foot roof from just a quarter inch of rain.

Collecting rainwater also decreases stormwater pollution, which is the leading type of residential non-point source pollution. Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly release the collected rainfall in areas that can soak up the water, thereby increasing groundwater recharge.

The rain barrels available at Ames True Value are made in Vermont from recycled 55-gallon food containers. A garden hose can easily be attached to the faucet and the barrel is equipped with overflow hose and a secure lid with a screen to keep out insects and small animals.

Stop by the SVCA office to see the new rain barrel and the garden, recently freshened up by members of the Wiscasset Garden Club, who planted the garden two years ago.

The SCVA is a member organization advocating shared stewardship of Maine's 58-mile Sheepscot River since 1969. Today, more than 2,600 acres and 13 miles of riverfront are protected. The SVCA's ongoing monitoring of water quality helps ensure the watershed's ecosystems stay healthy, including its Atlantic salmon habitat. SVCA's mapping services, technical support and educational programs encourage prudent land use so the resources people value today are conserved forever.