Rain Barrel Workshops

Rain barrels have been proven an effective and easy strategy for managing community storm water issues and improving water quality.  WMEAC trains partner organizations and individuals to conduct their own rain barrel workshops and to assemble the rain barrels using our kits.  The workshops are a great way to introduce members of neighborhood or professional associations and other formal or informal groups to environmental issues, storm water management and home improvement techniques.

Thanks to support from the City of Grand Rapids, Frey Foundation, Michigan State University, and Coca-Cola Grand Rapids, any city resident attending a partner workshop will receive rain barrel materials at no cost.  Residents of neighboring communities will be required to pay a nominal cost of $30 for materials.  WMEAC does NOT give away or sell barrels from the office. WMEAC regrets that it cannot schedule workshops outside of the City of Grand Rapids. 

Part of our Community Based Stormwater Program, WMEAC’s Train the Trainers Rain Barrel workshops fill up fast.  Trainers must commit to scheduling one or more workshops in their Grand Rapids neighborhood.

Train the Trainer Rain Barrel Works Details: 

Training class location: WMEAC's office 1007 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids

Time: 5:15-6:00 p.m.

Upcoming Dates: Tuesday, July 13; Tuesday, July 27; Tuesday, August 10; Thursday, August 26

To sign up: email kklomp@wmeac.org

Download the program brochure here.

DIY rain barrel instructions are available from WMEAC for download here.

Used pickle barrels are also available for rain barrel construction for $8-$10 from Wood Recycling near Howard City, Michigan.  Call 231-218-5091 for more information.  You can also purchase used food-grade barrels from DeWitt Barrels, in Marne, Michigan. For more information, visit their web site. 

For more information on how rain barrels can help protect water quality and detailed DIY instructions watch the instructional video below prepared for WMEAC by the Grand Valley State University School of Communications.