Oct 9, 2008 4:59 pm US/Pacific
Newsom Launches Rainwater Harvesting Initiative
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
When it rains, it pours. At least that's what students at one San Francisco elementary school are hoping now that they have the opportunity to put that water to good use.
At a news conference Thursday, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom introduced a new Rainwater Harvesting Initiative at Cesar Chavez Elementary School that will help the school collect rainwater for non-drinking purposes such as toilet use and outdoor irrigation.
Four 60-gallon barrels placed in a row will collect rain from the roof of a school building. The rainwater is then used to irrigate the students' frontyard garden and makeshift garden on the playground, and for other non-potable functions.
"It's an opportunity to literally harvest Mother Nature," Newsom said.
Joined by Ed Harrington, general manager at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and dozens of students at the elementary school, Newsom explained why a program that conserves water is necessary these days.
"We're in the middle of a drought," Newsom said. "The past 24 months have been two of the lowest rain years in reported history, and with increasing concern we need to think differently and act differently."
Rainwater harvesting was previously discouraged due to concerns about mosquitoes and flooding, Harrington said. Bu the final design of the rain barrel includes a cover with mosquito netting that keeps the bugs out.
Not only are the rainwater buckets being used at Cesar Chavez Elementary School, they are available for purchase for $69.99 each at Cole Hardware and may be used anywhere, according to Newsom.
A rainwater harvesting workshop is will also take place at Saturday's "Big Blue Bucket" Eco-Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jerrold Avenue and Phelps Street.
For more information about rainwater harvesting, call 311.
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