Monthly Blog

Contributed by Melissa Mimna

Melissa Mimna is Laboratory Manager for the City of Boulder Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) where she has worked in the WRRF Lab for the past 12 years. Melissa is a certified Water Quality Analyst and Wastewater D Operator. When she isn’t in the lab or writing poetry, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, gardening, and traveling.

Feeling uninspired about topics, I’ve opted to write you a rhyme

About how our industry sometimes feels like it’s stuck in time

“This is how we’ve always done it”- we’ve all heard that phrase

But perhaps that thinking is better for things like hollandaise?

Some techniques from decades ago might be outdated

In fact, many of them maybe even slightly antiquated

So, how do we know when the old techniques have merit?

Or whether it’s a method we should try to disinherit?

Some say the proof is in the pudding, or in the lab- we say in the QC

(We avoid the term pudding in wastewater labs, as you can imagine to be)

If the QC look great and the data make sense

Maybe the old method works fine in the present tense

To question a convention, you might ask “why” 5 times in a row

Why we still analyze for BOD… that we may never know

Why did they decide to sample with that weird dipper cup?

And what would happen if we try to switch it all up?

Why this method, location, frequency, or sample type?

Are these fancy TnTs worth all the hype?

The series of whys might help to decide which changes are worth making

Because a simple method change can be quite an undertaking

And sometimes we need to produce more data to know

If that old ISE probe is still the best way to go

Some old methods might still be quite effective

And each Lab has our own goals and perspective

Try something new, especially if the cost is low

Because, unless you try, you’ll never know

Try a new local vendor- save some money on bottles or gloves

Because saving money and buying local is something most everyone loves

On the other hand, no one has time to reinvent the wheel

Some of these methods are gold standards and might keep their appeal

A key skill to develop is knowing when a change could do more harm

And listening to your gut about the old methods having charm

Like anything in life, it’s a balancing act

And even though it is science, it’s not always exact

The decisions made decades ago might still ring true

(A good reminder to document your changes for the next crew)

While this blog post may not have provided you with any new insight

I hope it reminds you that it’s not black and white

Knowing when to question or just go with the flow

That’s a big part of life and we learn as we go

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth saying again

In the end, we’re all doing the best that we can

Contributed by Danny McCausland 
Danny McCausland is a Senior Water Quality Analyst with the City of Thornton. He has 11 years working in the water quality field.

Water is a vital resource, but its distribution is far from even. Here, in the western United States, we understand this well. When looking for solutions, I think it’s important to look at how other parts of the world are tackling this water scarcity. In China, this imbalance has spurred one of the most ambitious engineering projects in history: the South-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP). This initiative aims to move water from the water-abundant south to the arid north, tackling critical shortages and supporting economic growth. But what exactly is the SNWTP, why is it necessary, and what lessons can we learn from it? Let’s take a closer look.

What is the South-North Water Transfer Project?
The SNWTP is a massive infrastructure project designed to redistribute water across China. It consists of three main routes.

© Asia Pacific Memo

1. The Eastern Route
The Eastern Route is the first of the three routes and is already operational. It leverages the ancient Grand Canal, one of the world’s oldest and longest man-made waterways, to transfer water from the lower Yangtze River to northern regions like Shandong Province and the city of Tianjin.

Source: The route begins at Jiangdu, a city in Jiangsu Province, where water is drawn from the Yangtze River.

Pathway: The water travels northward through the Grand Canal, a network of canals and rivers that has been upgraded and expanded for the project.

Pumping Stations: Because the terrain is relatively flat, the route relies on a series of pumping stations to move water uphill. There are over 50 pumping stations along the route, making it one of the most energy-intensive sections of the project.

Destination: The water is delivered to Shandong Province and Tianjin, two regions that have long struggled with water scarcity.

Challenges
Water Quality: The Eastern Route passes through heavily industrialized and urbanized areas, raising concerns about pollution. Efforts to clean up the Grand Canal and monitor water quality are ongoing.

Energy Use: The reliance on pumping stations makes this route energy-intensive, increasing operational costs and environmental impacts.

2. The Central Route
The Central Route is the most ambitious and impactful of the three routes. It transfers water from the Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei Province to major cities like Beijing and Tianjin, as well as other parts of northern China.

Source: The route begins at the Danjiangkou Reservoir, which was expanded to increase its capacity for the project.

Pathway: The water travels over 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) through a combination of canals, tunnels, and aqueducts. It crosses the Yellow River, a significant engineering feat.

Gravity-Fed System: Unlike the Eastern Route, the Central Route primarily relies on gravity to move water, reducing energy consumption.

Destination: The water is delivered to Beijing, Tianjin, and other northern regions, providing a critical water source for over 50 million people.

Challenges
Resettlement: The expansion of the Danjiangkou Reservoir required the relocation of over 300,000 people, creating social and economic challenges.

Environmental Impact: The diversion of water has affected local ecosystems, including reduced water flow in the Han River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River.

Sedimentation and Algae Blooms: The reservoir and canals have faced issues with sedimentation and algae blooms, which can affect water quality.

3. The Western Route
The Western Route is the most complex and challenging of the three routes and is still in the planning stages. It aims to divert water from the Tibetan Plateau to the Yellow River Basin, addressing water shortages in the country’s northwest.

Source: The route would draw water from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, including its tributaries on the Tibetan Plateau.

Pathway: The water would travel through a series of tunnels and pipelines across some of the most rugged and remote terrain in China, including the Himalayas.

High Altitude: The route involves transferring water at extremely high altitudes, presenting significant engineering and logistical challenges.

Destination: The water would be delivered to the Yellow River Basin, supporting regions like Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia, which face severe water scarcity.

Challenges
Engineering Complexity: The harsh terrain and high altitude make this route the most technically challenging. Building tunnels and pipelines in such conditions is both difficult and expensive.

Environmental Concerns: The Tibetan Plateau is a fragile ecosystem, and diverting water could have significant environmental impacts, including effects on downstream regions.

Geopolitical Sensitivity: The Tibetan Plateau is a politically sensitive area, and the project could face opposition from local communities and international stakeholders.

Why is the SNWTP Necessary?
The project was born out of necessity due to several critical challenges:

• Northern China is home to over 40% of the country’s population but has only about 20% of its freshwater resources. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have exacerbated water shortages, threatening economic stability and quality of life.
• The south, with its abundant rainfall and extensive river systems, often faces flooding, while the north struggles with droughts. The SNWTP aims to balance these disparities by sharing water resources more equitably.
• Over-extraction of groundwater in the north has led to land subsidence and ecological damage. By providing an alternative water source, the project helps reduce reliance on groundwater and promotes environmental recovery.

The South-North Water Transfer Project is a remarkable example of human ingenuity in tackling resource challenges. While it has provided much-needed relief to water-scarce regions, it also highlights the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects. For other regions facing similar issues, the SNWTP serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and holistic approaches to water management. Could such a project help the western United States with its water scarcity challenges?  

Take a moment to look at the water use trends that Drew Beckwith with the City of Westminster put together. 

Highlights from the analysis:

1. Drinking water production was +15%, and reclaim production +52%, by comparison to 2023.
2. 50% of Westminster’s water was used outdoors in 2024, with the water needs of Kentucky bluegrass measuring at the 2^nd highest level since 1954.
3. A decade ago, average water use for a single-family home was 15,000 gallons in the hottest month, today it’s closer to 12,000.
4. During summer, nearly 40% of our customers never use more than 8,000 gallons of water – the switch to Tier 2 rates.

blog.pdf

Any comments, questions, or ideas of different analyses of data can be sent to dbeckwit@westminsterco.gov. 

Contributed by Michael Hendricks

Michael Hendricks is a Water Quality & Treatment Lead for Denver Water

As the holiday season arrives, we often find ourselves surrounded by the warmth of family gatherings, the sparkle of holiday lights, and the joy of giving and receiving. Yet in the midst of all the festive bustle, it’s easy to overlook something that is fundamental to life itself: water. Water might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the holidays, but it's a reminder of how interconnected we are with the world around us and how we can carry that gratitude into our holiday season.

Think about the moments that define the holiday season: the hot cocoa shared by the fireplace, the warm meals served at family feasts, the soothing baths that help us relax after a long day, or the water used in toasts as we celebrate the year gone by. Water is there in almost every holiday tradition, whether it's a part of a recipe, a decorative element like snowflakes or ice sculptures, or a symbol of renewal and celebration.

While many of us take clean, running water for granted, there are millions of people who do not have easy access to it. In some places, finding safe drinking water is a daily struggle that shapes every aspect of life. During the holiday season, a time that often centers around helping others, this is a poignant reminder of how much we can give to make a difference. Simple acts of kindness, such as donating to water charities or supporting local initiatives that promote water conservation and sustainability, can have a meaningful impact.

The holidays are not only a time to celebrate but also a time to reflect. Water has been a symbol of renewal and purification in various cultures for centuries. From the deep blue oceans that represent the vastness of possibilities to the calming rain that replenishes the earth, water represents a fresh start. It’s a perfect metaphor for the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

Water is everywhere and in everything. It nourishes us, renews us, and keeps us going through all the seasons. During the holidays, it’s easy to become wrapped up in the excitement of gifts and meals, but taking a moment to remember the importance of water in our lives, and in the lives of others, makes this season not just one of celebration but also of reflection and gratitude. Let’s make a toast—not just to the holiday spirit, but to the water that makes all of it possible. Cheers to the gift that gives life and connects us all.

Contributed by Natalie Love 

Natalie Love is the Laboratory Research Manager at Metro Water Recovery and has enjoyed working with all of Metro’s interns. She is hoping to bring one into the lab this spring.

The Rocky Mountains brought Salina Loer from Wisconsin to Colorado. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2022 and took an internship designing and building an incubation system for hydrogen sulfide metabolizing bacteria. While her biogas internship provided excellent hands-on engineering experience, she was ready for something new. Salina came to Colorado, got a job at a ski shop, and found an internship with Metro Water Recovery. The internship provided her experience working through cool wastewater projects, all while allowing her flexibility to enjoy the Colorado outdoors.

Metro Water Recovery offers a well-established paid internship program through the Technology and Innovation Department (TID). This program has been in place for over six years with most past interns still working in the wastewater sector. Currently TID has three “Temporary Engineers”, each with a unique skillset that is utilized all over the plant. Metro’s Industrial Pretreatment Division also has a formal summer internship program, and the Laboratory Research Team is considering hosting its first intern in 2025.

One common concern among interns in poorly structured programs is being assigned only menial tasks. This is not the case with Metro. Metro TID intern Alex Chavez-Maldonado has taken on projects as diverse as struvite removal from pipes, activity testing to assess nutrient removal kinetics from activated sludge microbiology, to assessing orthophosphate spikes in the secondaries. According to Alex, “From the start, I knew the internship would be a hands-on, highly applicable experience to my career aspirations, and it has lived up to that.” The Lab Research Team is hoping to foster just as much learning as the TID program has supported, while also getting a valuable helping hand.

Our goal would be to train the Lab Research Team intern on some of the daily tasks and projects that would significantly help staff. These tasks include sample collection onsite, sample filtration and preservation, analyses on specialized instrumentation, and data compilation and presentation. In return, the interns would be gaining hands-on lab and wastewater treatment experience. Are you wondering whether your lab could support an intern? Some things to consider include:

• Scheduling does require some flexibility, but most students are still able to block out a few full days each week.
• Training is less intensive than it would be for a full-time, permanent employee who must learn everything in the lab. By focusing on a subset of tasks, interns can still gain valuable experience in less training time.
• Interns often become excellent candidates for open permanent positions allowing both parties to “test the waters” before committing.

Internships are true win-win situations with all parties gaining from the experience. Metro’s third temporary engineer, David Hood, was looking for a career change and hoped for a job that would allow him to get outdoors after many years in medical science labs. Working with instrumentation at Metro provided that along with perspective on the massive quantities of data coming from a large utility. While each day doesn’t always go as planned, David has learned a ton about instrumentation and how to manage all the little quirks and Metro has benefited from his instrumentation knowledge. All three interns have provided incredible value to Metro, significantly contributing their expertise and skills to the projects they have worked on.

Contributed by Adele Rucker 
Adele Rucker is the RMWQAA President and Laboratory Services Manager in South Platte Renew’s Laboratory. 

Where can you see over 55 teams compete in what is called The Wastewater Olympics?

Operations Challenge at WEFTEC of course!

Ops challenge is a competition, organized by WEF, the Water Environment Federation, where teams of wastewater collection and treatment professionals compete and display their skills. 

In the competition, teams compete to earn the highest score in five different events. Each team includes four members and often a coach as well. Each event is designed to test the diverse skills required for the operation and maintenance of water resource recovery facilities, collection systems, and laboratories. The five events are collections systems, laboratory, process control, maintenance and safety. Here is a summary of each event:

Collections Event

The event simulates connecting a 4-inch PVC lateral sewer to an 8-inch PVC sewer pipe; replacing a leaking section of existing 8-inch PVC sewer pipe while in service; and the construction of the Victaulic Pipe Tower per defined procedures.

Safety Event

Scenario: While a facility crew is working, one of the workers collapses inside a manhole.  The coworker is found at the bottom of a lift station (confined space) unconscious.  It is suspected that he/she has been overcome with an unknown gas or lack of oxygen due to a worn 4” check valve gasket in the station.  The in-plant rescue/repair team is immediately called to the scene. The Ops challenge team then safely rescues the coworker.

Maintenance Event

The purpose of this event is to test the skills of a maintenance team in response to issues at a sanitary pumping station. 

Process Control

The Process Control event consists of handwritten and computerized activities and simulations to test the relative process control skills of the teams.  This event highlights skills used to run a wastewater treatment plant. The questions include all areas of wastewater treatment.

Laboratory Event

Laboratory results are valuable as a record of plant operations.  This data lets the operator know how efficiently the plant is running and help predict and prevent troubles that may be developing within the various processes. Laboratory results are required as a record of performance for regulatory agencies and are of value to the operations staff and design engineers for performance optimization, troubleshooting, determination of loadings, and for determining when plant expansions are necessary. For these reasons, laboratory tests should be conducted as carefully and consistently as possible and according to appropriate analytical methods.

The entire event fosters cross training, professional development, leadership and teamwork.  Improve old skills, learn new skills, and prepare for the unexpected that is a win, win situation no matter the outcome of the competition.

Four teams from the Rocky Mountain Region competed in Ops Challenge at WEFTEC this year.  I had the privilege of being a judge in the laboratory event this year.  All of the teams worked hard to compete and we congratulate them all for their hard work and dedication.

Excerpts taken from Water Environment Federation, WEF, www.wef.org and RMWEA, rmwea.org

Contributed by Tyler Eldridge

Tyler Eldridge is a volunteer member of the RMWQAA Board, prior laboratory analyst, and current manager of Greeley’s Wastewater Treatment and Reclamation Facility.

My interest in biology as a child helped foster my love for science as I grew older. I used to collect as many books and fact sheets of animals as I could. Growing up, I was fascinated with the nature documentaries, raised on “The Crocodile Hunter,” “Planet Earth,” and “Blue Planet.” You can imagine the older nature books and documentaries didn’t put a whole lot of focus microbial organisms, as all the fun seemed to be in finding which animal was the biggest, heaviest, fastest, strongest. As course work expanded, lab work became more incorporated, and work with microscopy

led to a new interest in microbiology, a study focused on the incredibly diverse microbiological organisms and systems that impact nearly every facet of our day-to-day lives.

I wasn’t sure where exactly my biology degree would take me. I had high hopes of being a marine biologist at one point, but that is tough to do when much of your time is spent a mile above sea level and thousands of miles from the ocean. I certainly didn’t anticipate wastewater treatment as an opportunity to put my degree to the test, and it’s safe to say I was even quite ignorant as to what the process of treating wastewater looked like. Even when I began working in the City of Greeley’s Wastewater lab, the focus seemed to be on the chemistry side, analyzing concentrations of ammonia, phosphorus, and BOD to prove our worth. As I saw how these microscopic entities, such as bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, play a pivotal role in breaking down organic matter and nutrients I started to wonder why the lab didn’t also have a microscope like Operation’s. After all, outside of compliance monitoring, much of the work the lab performs is to help inform how the process is operating overall, and the efficiency of treatment processes largely depends on the microbial communities present. Operational challenges, such as odor complaints or excessive foam, can often be traced back to microbial imbalances. Microscopy provides insights into these issues, enabling teams to pinpoint causes and develop solutions. Why not combine efforts and allow for a more robust chemical and biological focus between Lab and Ops? The more eyes you have on a sample, the better opportunity you have to collaborate, interpret, and understand what microbiology is telling you about your plant.

It wasn’t until recently that we went an entire year without having to replace something expensive in the lab, leaving us with a little extra in the budget as the year closed. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity to see if there was any interest in getting the lab a microscope and some training in microbial analysis. Luckily, that interest was apparent, and a microscope was purchased for the plant’s compliance and process lab. While this was not new to Operations staff, it would be new to the Lab staff, and we felt that including the lab in microbial analysis would be a great opportunity to further develop a collaborative approach to problem-solving across the plant while improving process knowledge amongst those not in Operations. This past year we sent Ian (Operations) and Callie (Lab) to a local two-day Wastewater Microbiology & Process Control course, and the returns were instantaneous. Both came back with a new and refreshed understanding of what we can learn from analyzing the microbial systems in our plant, and the ability to put a numeric value on the biological system based on several factors they can determine from microscopic evaluation. They put in place a more frequent and robust microscopy plan and generate plenty of chatter amongst staff when they find and share new or exciting microbes from the process. Increasing the frequency while expanding the number of analysts able to do the work has allowed for more extensive evaluation of a system that may be more subjective at times than other lab parameters. 

I’ve noticed more process-related discussions occurring between Lab and Operations staff, which ultimately helps build a more informed treatment plant. One thing I struggled with early in my lab career was understanding the process implications from our findings, so helping foster additional communication and collaboration between staff was something I set my sights on. Wastewater is a complex mix of organic and inorganic materials. The efficiency of treatment processes largely depends on the microbial communities present, and it can be challenging to build a full understanding when the processes responsible are invisible to the naked eye. By examining samples under a microscope, we can identify key species that contribute to effective biodegradation, which informs process optimization.

I understand there are likely many places where this overlap between Ops and Lab staff on the microscopy side may be common practice, but for us it was a new adventure. Looking under the microscope has helped break up some of the day-to-day monotony that can build up over time, and the excitement when a particularly large bristle worm or strange looking suctoria is found is palpable. I even have the chance to jump out and grab a sample to look at for myself from time to time, which brings me a calming sense of wonder (assuming no filaments are present) about nature and biology that I often miss. If you don’t often get to see what’s under the scope, reach out to your operations team to get an understanding of just how much they learn from their microscope analysis, or get you a microscope and start fostering additional communication yourself!   

Contributed By Rich MacAlpine

Rich MacAlpine is a volunteer member of the RMWQAA Board, Co-chair of the Laboratory Practices Committee, and a supervisor at Metro Water Recovery.

As water professionals, we spend a lot of time analyzing, verifying, thinking about, and using water quality data. That is good! It is needed, and it can be fun work. I enjoy working in water quality, I enjoy my co-workers, associates in the field, the challenges, and I believe that this work provides a benefit to the world.

Speaking for myself though, sometimes I can get totally wrapped up in the purely scientific qualities of water. Suspended solids, conductivity, BOD, ammonia levels, pH, metals levels, Kjeldahl nitrogen, PFAS, dissolved phosphorous, emerging contaminants, salinity, all of these can become the only way that I view water.

However, I was recently able to go on a trip where I was able to reacquaint myself with other, non-purely scientific qualities of water. Many of these are the qualities of water that attracted me to a career in water quality to begin with. It was great to align myself again with what I will call the more fun qualities of water.

Listening to waves crashing on shore while falling asleep is a wonderfully relaxing experience. Jumping into a cold lake is fun, refreshing, and invigorating. Standing under a waterfall is a powerful feeling. Diving and snorkeling give views into a whole other wonderful world. Listening to a creek is rejuvenating. Watching barges on a river is inspiring and contemplative. Watching birds land on a pond is inspiring (and can also be hilarious!). Kayaking is (somehow, magically) both relaxing and great exercise. Going to an aquarium is still fun and still educational.

I felt a renewed connection with water and with my work by being able to get out of the purely laboratory qualities of water and into the more existential qualities of water. For anyone in the water field feeling a little run down or overwhelmed at work, getting out and enjoying water on a different level (be that physical, emotional, spiritual, visual, etc.) is highly recommended! There are so many great opportunities to enjoy and get out and be amazed again by the resource that you work so hard to preserve. When you find your water outside of the lab, it can inspire your work with water in the lab!

Contributed by Curtis Collins
Curtis Collins is a Water Quality Technician for the City and County of Broomfield and has a background in Fisheries Biology. His favorite activity is fishing for Cutthroat trout in high alpine lakes across Colorado.

Summer is here! As the weather heats up, so do water temperatures in our local ponds. Warm water temperatures can cause multiple issues for ponds, including algal blooms. Algal blooms occur in water when warm temperatures, abundant nutrients, and prolonged periods of light are present.

Negative effects of algal blooms:

●       Dense algal mats that can hinder recreational activities such as fishing.

●       Reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the pond which can lead to a fish kill.

●       A strong “decaying” smell when the algae dies.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are of most concern because they are algae or cyanobacteria blooms that produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.

Potential health effects to humans or animals:

●       Skin and eye irritation

●       Nausea

●       Vomiting

●       Diarrhea

●       Liver damage

●       In some cases for animals, even death

It is important that microcystin toxin levels are evaluated when algal blooms occur and appropriate actions are taken if toxin numbers exceed safe levels for human and animal health. Waterbody closures and posting of signs to warn the public help deter direct contact with the impacted water.

How residents can help:

●       Limit the amount of fertilizer used on lawns to reduce nutrient levels in runoff.

●       Prevent leaves, grass, and other yard debris from entering our storm drainage system.

The History around rain harvesting is rich with human ingenuity. Every culture has developed some method of capturing rainwater – from India, to Greece, to Machu Picchu, Peru. Rainwater collection systems have been as simple as a banana leaf to a coconut or as elaborate as an underground cistern network for an entire fort or town. The practice of harvesting rainwater dates back at least 3,000 years. History has finally caught up to Colorado. Colorado law makers legalized rain barrels on August 10^th, 2016.  

Colorado Rules help remind everyone that water is very precious in Colorado, and it is owned by users downstream. Rain that lands on a rooftop is a property right that is owned by someone downstream.  Every drop counts, and water rights holders depend upon the runoff from snowmelt and rainfall.

The arid west is unique when it comes to managing water. The use of water is governed by what is known as the prior appropriation doctrine. This doctrine of water allocation controls who uses water, how much water may be used, the types of uses allowed, and when those waters can be used. Understanding the water laws can provide valuable insight into the way water is shared in Colorado.

After a couple of attempts at the state capital, House Bill 16-1005 was passed in 2016.  It is now legal to capture rainwater at your house.  For rain barrels to be legal in Colorado, downstream water rights owners must still be able to use their water rights.  To guarantee that the captured rainwater will not change the flows in the river, there are a few guidelines that rain barrel owners must follow:

• Anyone who lives in a house or townhouse with fewer than 4 units can use a rain barrel.
• A maximum of two rain barrels can be used at each household, and the combined storage of the two rain barrels cannot exceed 110 gallons.
• Rain barrels can only be used to capture rainwater from rooftop downspouts.
• The captured rainwater must be used on the same property from which the rainwater was captured, for only outdoor purposes.
• Rain barrel water cannot be used for drinking or other indoor water uses.
• The captured rainwater can be used for watering lawns, plants, and/or gardens.
• The capture and use of rainwater using rain barrels does not constitute a water right, and no permits are necessary.
• If a water right holder can prove that rain barrels have impacted their ability to receive the water that they are entitled to, then the State Engineer can curtail the use of individual rain barrels.
• Rain barrels need to be sealable to keep out mosquitos.
• For people on well water, there is a different set of guidelines that include a need for a collection permit. Water can be used outdoors and indoors and match the well use, and they can collect as much water as they want. 
• A homeowner’s association cannot ban the use of rain barrels; however, it can impose “reasonable” aesthetic requirements about the location and/or appearance of rain barrels.

Good practices will prolong the life of your rain barrel system and save you time and money. Like any other household appliance, rain barrels need to be inspected and cared for. Here are some recommendations:

• Rain barrels should be emptied periodically to clean out debris.
• If you plan to be away from the home for more than a week, you should disconnect your rain barrel from the downspout. A thunderstorm can easily overfill your barrel.
• Drain and disconnect during the winter. Water can freeze and crack your rain barrel. Don’t forget to adjust your gutter downspout so the water will run away from your house and not into a window well.
• Shade or cover your barrel to avoid weathering from the sun. Plastic will eventually get brittle and crack if left in direct sunlight.
• An overflow hose is a good idea. Have it drain at least 6 feet from the house.
• There are various ways to build and connect your rain barrel and each will depend on the location of a drain and individual property.  A little bit of thought and planning will help you maximize your results.

Are you Curious About How to Build, Install, and Maintain a Rain Barrel? 

Below is a summary of helpful ideas and suggestions on how to have a successful rain barrel. 

 

Colorado State Law (2016): Maximum of two 55-gal barrels, outdoor water use only, use at site where collected, no drinking, it is not a water right, avoid mosquitos. 

Be Ready: 1 inch of rain on 1,000 sq. foot roof equals 600 gallons of water.  That is 12 barrels worth of water.  Rain barrels fill up very quickly. 

Water Quality: Rain barrels are good for water conservation and also water quality. 

Location:   A full rain barrel weighs close to 480 pounds.  Make sure it is in a safe location on level ground.  Know how much water comes down your downspout.  Decide if you want it invisible or visible, left/center/right of downspout, and if you want it on the north or south side of the building. 

Materials:  Barrels can be plastic or steel and can be any size.  Conversion kits are available and easy to install but are not always the best choice.  It is good to use quality bulkhead tank fittings to attach drains, spigots, and other barrels.   

Spigot:  Drill a hole the proper size about 3” from the bottom.  Use ¾” size parts, and the spigot should be a quarter turn spigot. 

Inlet:  Drill/cut proper size on the side or top of barrel.  Good to put a cleanable screen on the inlet. 

Overflow: Drill a proper size overflow hole.  Make sure it is lower than the inlet. 

Install: Pick location and level the ground.  Use strong material to build the base.  Get the barrel into final position.  Have the spigot high enough for a bucket or hose to fit underneath.

Connect to Downspout:  There are two kinds – Split-Flow and All-Flow.  Split-Flow is when you use a diverter.  They are good for handling high flows, have a built-in overflow by using the downspout, and can disconnect from your house.  Downside - Split-Flow diverters are harder to install, you don’t get all the water, they can leak, and they can clog more.  All-Flow is when you alter your downspout so that all the water goes to the barrel.  These are easier to install, clog less, divert more water, and are good for light rains.  Downside - All-Flow systems are permanent, you cannot turn them off, and you must build an overflow system. 

Split-flow Diverters:  The ones that insert into the downspout are not the best because they clog and are not cleanable and overflow easily.  The “Y” diverter is a good one to use because it can be easily turned on and off.  There are others that flip down a spout but can be messier during big rains. 

Annual Maintenance:  Protect the plastic barrel from the sun or it will get brittle and crack.  Drain and clean at least once a year.  For the winter, disconnect and drain so that it does not freeze. 

Daily Maintenance: Check the volume in the barrel and drain it if a storm is coming. Clean the inlet screen of any gutter material.  Check for debris and leaks around the barrel.  Check the base to make sure it is still stable. 

Safety:  To avoid mosquitos, keep it dry, keep the water moving, and keep it sealed.  You can use larvicides.  Make sure it is stable and keep the water away from your foundation. 

Steve Lundt is a Senior Water Quality Scientist at Metro Water Recovery.  He has over 22 years of experience managing lakes and reservoirs in Colorado and the Pacific Northwest.  If you don’t find Steve on a boat working, you can find him on a bike path in Denver.