Rainwater Harvesting at Home

RAINWATER HARVESTING AT HOME

with ELLEN SCHINDLER

Tuesday 5 September - 5.30pm to 7.30pm (2 hours)

In recent months and in many parts of our region, we've had more water than we can handle! Yet we know that in seasons to come, water may not be as plentiful and will even come at a price. Join us to take this opportunity to learn how to harvest some of that water for later. Every litre of rainwater stored away can help you, your garden, and the public water system!

This workshop is for anyone interested in the basics of rainwater harvesting. It offers insights into a range of concepts and methods for domestic use, as well as how storing rainwater can fit in with your home and garden activities. Get ahead of the extreme weather, and come away with an understanding of what might work for your situation. Plus learn from essential tips and tricks for your soil and garden for better water management overall.

What to expect:

First Ellen will demonstrate rainwater harvesting methods she uses in her garden, including samples and photos of effective systems, what works and what doesn't, as well as resources for finding suitable and affordable materials for yourself. Then she'll guide you around the farm at Kelmarna to inspect on-site systems such as downpipes, water tanks, and even soil and mulch management practices, to see how these examples can inform your systems at home.

The session will be open for an ongoing discussion to cover all of your questions and address concerns around your unique situations, so that you can come away with a foundation to move forward with your own project at home.

Tickets include: theory, demonstration, and discussion around various methods and materials for rainwater harvesting at home; resources for sourcing materials on your own (PDF circulated following the session)

What to bring:

Essential:

• a refillable water bottle (to stay hydrated)
  
• weather appropriate gear (to keep comfortable)

Recommended:

• a pen and notepad (to take notes, if you like)
• a face covering or mask (if you like, for indoor areas and close quarters)

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Ellen Schindler is a passionate gardener and community organiser. Since 2006 she has nurtured her home garden in Sandringham into a productive food system with about 55 fruit trees of all types and sizes, beehives, chooks, and vegetable patches. She is also a committed volunteer who has been instrumental in establishing the Homestead and the Dignan Street Community gardens in Pt Chevalier and has been involved in planting and maintaining fruit trees in parks and grass berms across Sandringham.

Ellen believes that healthy food should be accessible to everyone, and teaching hands-on DIY workshops is one of her favourite ways to achieve this goal! In this workshop, Ellen is looking forward to sharing with you her home rainwater harvesting experience and encouraging you to explore systems that suit your home - to help save money, benefit the environment, and be better prepared to tackle extreme seasons in the garden!

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This event is listed with the Auckland Climate Festival 2023, a month full of action to accelerate and celebrate climate mahi!