Knowledge Base

Catch the rain, protect the watershed!

Thanks to funding from the Cascade Creek 319 grant, the Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District has partnered with the City of Rochester to offer cost-share assistance for rain barrel purchases. This opportunity is available to Rochester residents within the Cascade Creek watershed and Rochester city limits. It's a simple way to conserve water, manage stormwater, and make a difference in your neighborhood.

Rain barrel water is best used for non-potable purposes like watering lawns and ornamental plants, washing cars, cleaning tools, or filling a fountain. It should not be used for drinking, cooking, or watering edible plants because it can contain pollutants like bacteria from bird droppings and chemicals from roofing materials.  

How it works:

• Residents in the Kutzky, Washington, and Lowertown neighborhoods are now eligible to apply for cost share for rain barrel installation.
• The program will reimburse 90% of the total cost of an eligible rain barrel project, not to exceed $100 per installation.
• Reimbursement is limited to one rain barrel per property address unless otherwise approved.
• Eligible costs may include the rain barrel, installation hardware, and downspout connectors.
  
• Applicants must wait for contract approval before purchasing rain barrel materials.

Uses for Rain Barrel water:

• Gardening and lawn care: Watering ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns is a great use for rain barrel water. 
• Outdoor cleaning: You can use the water to wash cars, bikes, work boots, and garden tools. 
• Other outdoor uses: The water is also suitable for other outdoor tasks like rinsing hands, filling a fountain, or extinguishing campfires. 

Important Considerations:

• Do not drink: Rainwater is not potable and is not safe for drinking, cooking, or other household uses that involve consumption. 
• Avoid edible plants: It's best to avoid using rain barrel water on the edible parts of plants, such as vegetables, fruits, and edible flowers, to prevent contamination from roof runoff. 
• Check your roof material: Water collected from certain roof materials may contain chemicals that are not safe for plants. 
• Maintenance: To prevent mosquito breeding, ensure the barrel is covered and the water is regularly used or emptied. 

To sign up for a contract, contact:

• Jenna Rasmusson at 507-328-7554

For more information, contact:

• Rachel Strauss at 507-328-2440