Learn How to Build a Rain Barrel


A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores the water from roofs and downspouts for future uses such as watering lawns, gardens, and house plants; cleaning off gardening tools; and washing your car. Rain barrels help to lower your water bills, particularly in the summer months by collecting thousands of gallons of free water a year that you don’t have to buy.  Rain barrels are also important for our environment because they help reduce water pollution by decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff reaching our streams and rivers.

Rain Barrel YouTube Video

Morrison springs pretty pic.jpgStormwater is the flow of water during and immediately after a rainfall. As stormwater flows, it picks up particles and pollutants from roads, yards, parking lots, and roofs. The result is stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is a concern from a water quantity standpoint with flooding and from a water quality standpoint with pollutants.

Pollutants found in stormwater includes:  nutrients, fertilizers, metals, oils and greases, and animal waste.
A stormwater system is basically a tool for managing the runoff from rainfall. A stormwater system when properly designed and constructed can remove chemicals, debris and sediment from water before it reaches the ground water.

In an effort to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of our citizens, Walton County adopted Ordinance No. 2008-06 to help regulate non-stormwater discharges that degrade surface waters, making them unsafe for drinking, swimming, fishing and other activities.

For tips and other information about protecting Walton County's waterways, see our newsletters and this Stormwater and You brochure.

Stormwater Issues:
Walton County Public Works
117 Montgomery Circle
DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435
(850) 892-8108
 Customer Service Hours:
Monday through Friday
6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(850) 892-8108