All rain barrel constructions should incorporate an overflow system to divert excess collected water away from structures . An overflow system should be connected to the rain barrels with the top of the pipe serving as the desired maximum water level within the barrels . All water released by the overflow system should be diverted away from any structures . Rain barrel systems should be placed on a raised platform so collected water can be released by gravity . To retain the aesthetics of the property , a façade should be constructed around the platform to obstruct the view of the barrels . The façade should complement adjacent structures and surrounding landscape features .
Figure 27 . General schematic of a multiple rain barrel system with aesthetic façade from adjacent structure .
For maintaining rain barrel functions , there are a few major steps . Start by making sure that the barrels are drained frequently and the gutters are cleaned of debris seasonally to avoid water build up . Barrels also need to be flushed and cleaned annually with a light disinfectant . Debris should be removed from mosquito screens frequently and screens should be replaced when holes occur . Seasonally draining sediment-laden water through the bottom valve especially after pollen season is an important step to make sure the barrels function properly . The last step is to check gutter connections after intense rainfall or storms for damage and check gutter connections every 3 to 4 months for damage . This can be done by disconnecting it from the downspouts , emptying the barrel , washing it out , and storing it upside down onsite . The following resources provide additional information about maintaining rain barrels :
Ellis , K ., C . Berg , D . Caraco , S . Drescher , G . Hoffmann , B . Keppler , M . LaRocco , and A . Turner ( 2014 ). Low Impact Development in Coastal South Carolina : A Planning and Design Guide . ACE Basin and North Inlet – Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserves , 462 pp . Retrieved from : http :// northinlet . sc . edu / wp-content / uploads / 2019 / 12 / LID-in-Coastal-SC . pdf
Giacalone , K ., Joyner , D ., Bishop , M ., Powell , B ., Blackston , B ., Armstrong , S ., Williams , S ., Young , T ., & Sansbury , M . ( 2011 ). Rainwater Harvesting for Homeowners . Carolina Clear , Clemson Extension . 28 pp . Retrieved from : https :// www . clemson . edu / extension / carolinaclear / files / RWHmanual . pdf
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NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS MANUAL FOR KIAWAH ISLAND