“Instilling a sense of self-sufficiency, community members gathered at the Southeast Branch Library to create their own rainwater harvesting barrels.”
Residents Create DIY Rainwater Harvesting Barrels at Southeast Branch Library in Arlington
ABOUT MY PHOTO ESSAY
by Hannah García
Instilling a sense of self-sufficiency, community members gathered at the Southeast Branch Library Feb. 3 to create their own rainwater harvesting barrels. The workshop was put on by the Tarrant Regional Water District and taught by two instructors from the Texas Master Gardner Program.
The Arlington Museum of Art is dedicated to championing creativity and providing access to art through education and cultural development. In addition to its major exhibitions, the museum often utilizes its venue creatively throughout the year for programming and exhibition-related activities, such as its ongoing partnerships with the Arlington Public Library. Click here to learn more.
The water collected from the 50-gallon, food-grade barrels is non-potable, but can be used for various other things. This method helps to reduce the demands on municipal water supplies, flooding, erosion and the contamination of surface water.
Once at their place of residence, attendees will connect the barrels to their gutter drains with a downspout extension. Keeping gutters clean and free of debris is recommended for collection. If a storm is coming and the barrel is full, the instructors suggest using it before losing it.
Some attendees questioned if this kind of collection was allowed, and the instructors assured them it was. While certain Homeowners Associations may have rules about the placement or visibility of the barrel, no one can stop people from collecting rainwater.
Meet Hannah García
Hannah García is pursuing a journalism degree with a creative writing minor at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is currently the news editor of the school’s daily publication, The Shorthorn.
Though busy with school and work most of the time, they enjoy relaxing with naps, collecting trinkets and watching YouTube videos.
About AMA+UTA CreateCollab
Since the Fall 2022 semester, the Arlington Museum of Art has partnered with The University of Texas at Arlington and a senior-level digital storytelling class to explore a wide variety of contemporary themes inspired by the museum’s mission, values, and exhibitions.
Class projects include photo essays, one-minute documentaries, and brief audio stories.
Associate Professor of Communication Erika Pribanic-Smith teaches the class. She values opportunities to bring real-world experiences to her students.
“My goal is to give my students real-world experience in all of my classes, creating real stories using real sources,” said Dr. Pribanic-Smith. “Creating stories that will be published for the public to see, not just submitted for a grade, gives students extra incentive to put forth their best effort. Furthermore, working with professionals gives the students another layer of feedback to re-enforce what they’re learning in the classroom. I prefer to work with organizations like the Arlington Museum of Art who will benefit in some way from the students’ content so that we are providing a service to the community.”
