What are Rain Barrels and Why Use To Keep Garden Produce Safe, How What can I do at home to reduce the Them? Should I Use the Water Collected in risk of harmful microbial the Rain Barrel? contamination of fresh produce from Water conservation is important to preserve our the garden? fresh water supply. There are many outdoor As the water collected in the rain barrel is water-saving tips that can be used to help save coming off a roof, into gutters and down Choose produce that is not bruised or on tap water use. One way is to use rain barrels downspouts, it is not considered to be damaged. or catchers to collect and store rainwater from “drinkable” or potable water. Remember, birds rooftops for lawn and garden use. Rain barrels and animals are also on the roof. So, water can also conserve water, help reduce water bills, from the roof can contain bacteria and other Refrigerate or chill produce immediately and reduce pollution by reducing stormwater disease-causing organisms from bird and other after harvest. runoff. animal waste that might be on the roof. How you use this water in your garden and the type of Wash hands with warm water and soap The water collected in the rain barrel would plants you use it on is an important before and after handling fresh produce. normally flow off the roof or through roof gutters consideration. Rain barrel water is fine if used and downspouts becoming stormwater runoff. to water non- edible plants – like flowers or Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under Depending on the house location, this runoff can lawns. cool running tap water. NEVER use travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a soap or detergents. Air dry or dry with a storm drain. But Can I Use the Water In My clean paper towel. Vegetable Garden? Rain barrels can be used to save water for Scrub firm produce such as melons and plants during dry periods. They can also be Yes, but only in the same way that other non- cucumbers with a clean hard bristle arranged to slowly release the collected rain fall potable water is used. Avoid using overhead brush under cool running tap water. to areas that can soak up the water, reducing irrigation.It is best to use this water for drip or stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater trickle irrigation This prevents contamination of Cut away any bruised or damaged recharge. edible above the ground plant parts that are areas with a clean knife. hard to clean, especially leafy greens. However, The good news is that rain barrels are the vegetable is not safe to eat unless it is Don’t cross contaminate. Always wash inexpensive, easy to install and easy to operate thoroughly washed using “drinkable” water first. and maintain. Ready-made rain barrels can be and sanitize cutting boards, counters, purchased from local suppliers or on-line. utensils and dishes that come in contact Rain barrel water should not be used close to with raw meat, fish or poultry before harvest time to water the vegetable garden and using to prepare fresh produce. should NEVER be used to wash fruits or vegetables from the garden or orchard prior to Source: FDA5/08 consumption.

How can I get more information about rain barrels and uses for the water SAFE Use of Rain Barrel Water from them? in the Vegetable Garden

URI Cooperative Extension Food Safety Education Program

401-874-2972/2960 [email protected], [email protected]

Water Quality Program\ 401-874-5398 Email- [email protected], [email protected]

For more information on rain barrels visit : http://www.uri.edu/ce/healthylandscapes/rainbso urces.html

For more information on food safety visit: http://www.uri.edu/ce/ceec/foodsafety.shtml

URI Cooperative Extension 7/08 Food Safety Education Program Water Quality Program