Site:
SE Portland
Owner:
Jim O’Conner
Address:
SE Portland
Contact:
Jim O’Conner

Comments:
Jim O’Conner created a complete rain barrel system to capture all stormwater coming from his roof. He built the system himself using typical garbage cans, hoses, and fittings. During the rainy months, any overflow drains to his garden – which is irrigated by the stored rainwater during the dry months. Rain barrels are appropriate for most residential housing. They are relatively inexpensive and easy for most homeowners to install.

Site:
SW Portland
Owner:

Address:
SW Kanan Drive
Portland, OR 97221
Contact:

Comments:
Rain barrels come in a variety of materials, shapes and colors. Rain barrels usually include a hole at the top to allow water to flow in, a sealed lid, an overflow pipe or hose, and a spigot to dispense water. By holding and reusing rainwater, rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff from sites and conserve potable water.

Site:
NE Portland
Owner:

Address:
NE 36th Avenue
Portland, OR 97212
Contact:

Comments:
Another type of rain barrel shows the diversity of options. Rain barrels are almost always hooked up to disconnected downspouts. A periodic inspection is recommended to check for leaks. Otherwise, rain barrels are an easy, cost effective way to both decrease stormwater and save potable water.

Site:
David Whitaker
Owner:

Address:
Portland
Contact:
David Whitaker

Comments:
Rain replaces wine in David Whitaker’s wood rain barrel. The barrel catches water from a garage downspout and helps irrigate a garden. See photo and article on downspout disconnection “Unchain the Rain” article by Diana K. Colvin in The Oregonian, Home and Gardens, Thursday, May 20, 2004.