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MI Green School Guide: project catalog
Rainwater collection
Rainwater collection can benefit schools in many ways. Watering plants with rainwater instead of drinking water can reduce water bills. Collecting rainwater can also support healthy waterways and prevent flooding.
Rain collection barrels can be placed at the bottom of gutter downspouts, or under gutter overflow points.
To start collecting rainwater at school, first calculate how much capacity your rain barrel needs based on roof size. Then, get a premade barrel or make one out of upcycled materials.
MI Green Schools category:
Environmental protection
This project impacts:
Grounds and infrastructure
Operations and procurement
Cost scale:
$0 - free resources and recycled materials
$25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary
$100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary
Resources
For all school community members
- How to build a rain barrel (Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County)
- Landscaping for Water Quality - Rain Barrels (Pg. 5) (Van Buren Conservation District)
For teachers
- Rain Barrel Lesson Plan (Grades 3-5) Pg. 53-62 (University of Maryland Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture)
- Rain Barrel Lesson Plan (Grades K-8) (Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Management Program)