Rainwater Harvesting Workshops a High Point at Mayor’s Clean and Green Summit

SFPUC Stormwater Planner and workshop organizer Sarah Minick (left) presenting rainwater harvesting strategies and techniques to workshop participants

A duo of rainwater harvesting workshops organized by the SFPUC’s Stormwater Management Program enjoyed high turnout and an enthusiastic reception at the Neighborhood Empowerment Network’s (NEN) Clean and Green Summit, hosted by Cesar Chavez Elementary School last May.

The workshops, delivered during breakout sessions at the NEN’s maiden summit event, provided participants with an introduction to rainwater harvesting techniques, a hands-on demonstration on utilizing rain barrels to capture rain water for gardening, and a discussion of the City’s combined sewer system.

Mission District residents and environmental activists checking out a rain barrel (left) and asking questions of Wastewater Enterprise staffer Tyrone Jue at the Summit’s outdoor Resource Fair

"It was great to see so much interest in rainwater harvesting from the community," said Sarah Minick, SFPUC’s Stormwater Planner and workshop organizer. "Residents who attended the workshops were very engaged and had excellent questions about rainwater harvesting and other stormwater management strategies."

Hundreds of City activists and residents were on-hand to enjoy neighborhood walking tours of Low Impact Design (LID) installations, a green resource fair, additional workshops on solar and wind energy, grant writing, green building and organizing, and a tasty barbecue lunch.

Bay Area urban farmer Tara Hui demonstrates how to "make your own" rainwater harvesting system using recycled rain barrels.