Saving the Environment, One Rain Barrel at a Time

In Onondaga County, rain is inevitable.   

For the average puddle duck, this may be perfection, but for Onondaga Lake, the rain has its downfalls. 

Every time rain falls in Onondaga County, the excess water pours into the interconnected sewer and drainpipes.  The water from both locations then combines and overflows, gushing into Onondaga River, which empties into Onondaga Lake.

The issue of contaminated water is a problem, and one that County Executive Joanne Mahoney is working to fix with the “Save the Rain” project.

 “Save the Rain” encourages homeowners to use rain barrels and position their drain pipes so that the water does not drop directly onto pavement.

Mahoney says these efforts will save 17% of the water from flowing into the County's drain gutters. 

Other green solutions the County is working on include green roofs, porous pavement, and rain gardens. 

“Save the Rain” is one of the many shovel-ready projects Onondaga County has prepared in response to potential stimulus money that may be coming its way.

Photo courtesy of New York State Museum