RE: [GreenYes] Rain Barrel Collection Questions

["Crowley, Brad" <Brad.Crowley@ci.gresham.or.us>]

I have done some research on rainbarrels/rainwater catchment myself.  I cannot remember off the top of my head if rainwater has about natural nitrogen.  I know it is softer than most municipal water systems (which means there will be less scale buildup in water heaters and pipes).  
A great resource for rainwater info is the Rainwater Harvesting guide from the State of Texas.  You can find it online at http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/reports/RainHarv.pdf
I believe Austin has (or had) a program encouraging the purchase of rainbarrels.  Portland, OR recently passed a code allowing the use of rainwater catchment systems for flushing toilets and hose bibs.  The system has to be over 1500 gallons so it really is not applicable to rainbarrels. 
Here in Portland I make rainbarrels and offer advice to people building their own. I have a website instructing people how to make rainbarrels.  The site is http://www.geocities.com/rainsystem
Here in Portland we have a soy sauce company that sells used (once) 55 gallon drums for $3 a barrel.  Lucky us! Hope this helps.  Email me at rainsystem@yahoo.com if you have any more questions.  Brad Crowley.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Wendy Oldenbrook [mailto:giftbags@ecentral.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2002 10:44 PM
To: greenyes@grrn.org
Subject: [GreenYes] Rain Barrel Collection Questions


Hello-
    I am writing an article about adding  rain barrel water collection
systems to homes
as a way to conserve water - and in my web search I found an article
that claimed rain water had natural nitrogen in it? Is this true?
    Second, I live in the Denver, Colorado area and many of our local
municipalities have offered compost bins to residents at a reduced
cost.  I was wondering if you knew of any municipalities that have had
similar programs with rain barrels?
    Thanks in advance for your help,
    Sincerely,
        Wendy Oldenbrook

-

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