Join the Million Gallon Challenge

Thanks for being part of the MILLION GALLON CHALLENGE
Every person's actions impact watersheds. In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we encouraged Iowans to reduce runoff from their properties by installing rain barrels, rain gardens, permeable paving and native vegetation. Every gallon allowed to gently percolate into the soil upstream is a gallon that will not violently enter a business or basement downstream. Rain barrels offer the additional benefit of harvesting free irrigation water.

There are now (or soon will be) 600 Moby rain barrels in place at homes and businesses around Eastern Iowa which were purchased through the Indian Creek Nature Center and Rainwater Solutions. That means approximately 39,000 gallons of runoff is diverted each time it rains and that means less water in our rivers and streams...and ultimately not in our basements. Remember EVERY GALLON COUNTS.

While we've concluded sales for this season, we encourage you to think about next year and make plans to order your own rain barrel, or add to the one(s) you've already purchased. Be watching for our 2011 sales to begin!

Install a Rain Barrel at Your Home
The Nature Center is partnering with Rain Water Solutions to make attractive 65 gallon rain barrels available at a reasonable cost. The rain barrel (called the Moby) is made in the USA of recycled plastic and have a brass hose tap, locking lid, and cover that prevents mosquito entry. The barrels are light enough for most people to easily carry, fit in the back of most four-door cars and come with installation instructions. They are constructed so it is easy to link two or more together for additional rain harvest.

Although rain barrels are an effective way for people to reduce runoff, there are many other simple techniques that property owners can use to help water percolate into the ground. Simply directing gutter downspout water to a vegetated surface instead of pavement helps. Also, setting lawn mowers at a higher level enables grass to send its roots deeper. Lawns with taller grass tend to absorb water more readily than closely clipped turf, and replacing lawns with prairie or woodland vegetation can greatly increase the soil's ability to absorb water. Homeowners requiring help in redirecting their downspouts to the Moby can contact a local gutter company for assistance.

Moby Specifications Media about Moby