Rain Barrels: A Catalyst for Change?

Authors

Michele E. Bakacs, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey,Follow
Mike Haberland, Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyFollow
Salvatore S. Mangiafico, Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyFollow
Aileen Winquist, Arlington County Environmental ServicesFollow
Christopher C. Obropta, Rutgers UniversityFollow
Sara Mellor, Rutgers UniversityFollow

Volume

51

Issue

3

DOI

10.34068/joe.51.03.33

Abstract

Over the past 4 years, rain barrel programming for residents has been implemented in both Northern Virginia and New Jersey as a method for educating the public about stormwater management and water conservation. Program participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge of water resource issues. Follow-up surveys showed 58% of New Jersey respondents and 48% of Virginia respondents adopted at least one additional best management practice at home. Results show that the enthusiasm for rain barrels can be used as an opportunity to educate and enable residents to be water resource managers on their own properties.

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Recommended Citation

Bakacs, M. E., Haberland, M., Mangiafico, S. S., Winquist, A., Obropta, C. C., & Mellor, S. (2013). Rain Barrels: A Catalyst for Change?. The Journal of Extension, 51(3), Article 33. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.51.03.33