By Alice Thrasher

Apr. 1, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --
The precious little rain that fell over the past few days has helped rejuvenate parched yards across the city, if only for a day or two.

But even with just a drizzle, Margaret Reid's azaleas and flowers will stay nice and watered for days to come.

She's one of a growing number of homeowners to discover the benefits of rain barrels, designed to catch and store what little moisture falls from the skies during these lawn-killing times of drought. The barrels are connected to her gutter downspouts, which also helps prevent yard erosion alongside her home on Valley Road.

"Now, we not only collect water, but are able to direct water away from the low area," she said.

Although rain barrels are catching on slowly in Fayetteville, they have become extremely popular in other cities including Raleigh, where outdoor irrigation has been banned because of the drought. Some homeowners in the Triangle have multiple barrels lined up along the sides of their homes, connected by hoses.

Collecting rainwater is just one thing homeowners can do to conserve as the weather warms up and the gardening season begins. But to many, the barrels are the newest twist on "going green" in this prolonged age of drought.

"I'm the proud owner of one," Reid said. "I'd like to have four more."

In Fayetteville, homeowners can still use automatic irrigation systems and sprinklers on an odd/even schedule -- even addresses on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and odd addresses on Thursdays and Sundays. Hand-held hoses to water plants and shrubs is allowed any day.

For conscientious homeowners concerned about conserving water, though, catching runoff in barrels is an innovative way to curb usage.

"It's a shame that the treated water gets used for irrigation," said Carolyn Justice-Hinson, a spokeswoman for the Public Works Commission. "That water is treated to a standard that we can drink and cook with."

Justice-Hinson said people need to start changing their habits and look at other water-wise techniques to aid conservation.

Reid took a hour-long class at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden last summer and learned how to make her 45-gallon rain barrel from a used shipping container from a pickle company.

She got the barrel and other materials for about $16 from Southern Gin & Grain Co. on C Street in downtown, she said. Owner Roy Turner said Monday he has not been able to buy the pickle barrels recently. They have become so popular that the Mt. Olive Pickle Co. in Wayne County will only sell them to individuals, for $5 each with a limit of six per person. There's a six-week waiting list.

Reid installed a brass spigot near the bottom of her barrel, some overflow side valves and a screen on top. The screen helps keep mosquitoes from getting into the water.

George Quigley, a master gardener and a volunteer at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, taught the class Reid attended. The Public Works Commission filmed Quigley making a barrel. The video is posted on its Web site, www.faypwc.com, and covers all the items needed to build a barrel. All of the tools and supplies are available at most hardware stores.

Those who don't want to make their own barrels can buy one already made at some area garden centers or at the Cumberland Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 301 E. Mountain Drive. The office sells homemade rain barrels for $35 and maintains a waiting list when the supply is out, according to manager Kay Bullard. The list had 15 names Monday.

Sidney Post, a former PWC watershed educator, makes the barrels for the soil and water office from discarded plastic pickle barrels.

Bell's Seed Store at 230 E. Russell St. sells a 60-gallon barrel made of heavy-duty plastic for $109. An 80-gallon barrel is $129.

Southern Gin & Grain Co. sells beige plastic barrels with room for plants for $149. The store began selling homemade rain barrels for $75 last week. "We had someone make a few locally and came by with them," Turner said.

Jeff Thompson, who works at Bell's Seed Store, said the rain barrels sold there are made by Rain Barrel USA in Waxhaw. He said they have been selling well.

"We've always had a few calls for them," Thompson said. "When the drought got worse, we decided to get some."

Barrels are available at other garden centers and supply stores as well. Owen Garden Center sells a 55-gallon rain barrel for $99.98.

Homemade barrels are available from at least one person in the Fayetteville area. Patrick "Mac" McCarthy makes them from recycled food barrels. They go for $45 each.

McCarthy started making them recently and delivers them in the Jack Britt High School district. Pictures and information about his barrels can be found on the Web site Craigslist: fayetteville.craigslist.org. He lists them under the category of farm and garden items.

Staff writer Alice Thrasher can be reached at thrashera@fayobserver.com or 486-3569.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0072-24173713