Rain Barrel Workshops and Resources

A 55-gallon barrel painted with flowers and mountains sits on a stand and is connected to the rain gutter of a home.

2025 Rain Barrel Workshops

Interested community members can still register for all workshops as observers. Please note that due to the size of the existing waitlists for each workshop, you will not be able to receive a free rain barrel – the remaining space is for observers who can attend to listen, learn, receive handouts, and ask questions at the workshop. Registering does not confirm an observer spot in the workshop – you will receive a confirmation email within a week of registering.

English Registration Form

You can also fill out the Rain Barrel Interest Form to receive updates about future rain barrel workshop opportunities. We are working on scheduling a virtual webinar that will take place in English and Spanish in April-May 2025. Webinar details will be posted on this webpage and shared with those who fill out the interest form. Resources for selecting, building, and maintaining rain barrels will also be posted to this webpage Spring 2025.

Hay algunos lugares disponibles para personas que hablan español y que desean asistir al taller de Longmont y recibir un barril de lluvia gratis. El taller contará con interpretación y materiales en español. Regístrese aquí.

Conserve water, save money, and protect water quality by installing a rain barrel at your home! Rain barrels are a small addition to your home that can provide hundreds of extra gallons of water each year to irrigate your grass, lawn, flowers, and trees. Collecting rainwater puts this precious resource to good use and keeps it from becoming stormwater runoff that can pick up pollutants as it flows to the nearest storm drain.

Boulder County residents can register for a free workshop to learn more about how to choose, build, install, and maintain a rain barrel. Participants can request to receive a free 55-gallon rain barrel and installation kit as part of this workshop. Those requesting a free 55-gallon rain barrel and installation kit will be asked to provide additional information to ensure their space is compatible with a rain barrel installation and answer a post-workshop survey. Priority for rain barrels will be given to Boulder County residents (including Longmont residents who reside in Weld County). Residents outside of Boulder County are welcome to register to attend the workshop as observers.

For questions about the 2025 Rain Barrel Workshops, email Cristina Ramirez at [email protected].

ADA statement: Boulder County wants to ensure that everyone has equal access to our programs, activities, and services. To request an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accommodation, please email [email protected], or call 303-441-1386. Submit your request as early as possible, and no later than two business days before the event.

Language access statement: If you need help in another language, please email [email protected] or call 303-441-1531. Contact us as early as possible, and no later than three business days before the event.

Register Now

Interested community members can still register for all workshops as an observer. Please note that due to the size of the existing waitlists for each workshop, you will not be able to receive a free rain barrel – the remaining space is for observers who can attend to listen, learn, receive handouts, and ask questions at the workshop. Registering does not confirm an observer spot in the workshop – you will receive a confirmation email within a week of registering.

English Registration Form

Lafayette Workshop *Observers only – waitlists for rain barrels are full*

Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Lafayette Public Library, 775 Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026, in Meeting Room

Longmont Workshop – NOW BILINGUAL *Observers only – waitlists for rain barrels are full*

When: Saturday, April 5
Time: 10am-12pm
Where: Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont, CO 80501 in Classroom D-E

Louisville Workshop *Observers only – waitlists for rain barrels are full*

When: Saturday, May 10
Time: 2-4pm
Where: Louisville Recreation and Senior Center, 900 Via Appia Way, Louisville, CO 80027 in the Crown Room

Boulder Workshop *Observers only – waitlists for rain barrels are full*

When: Monday, May 12
Time: 6-8pm
Where: Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63rd St, Boulder, CO 80301, in the Education Room

Can’t attend a rain barrel workshop right, now but interested in attending one in the future? Please fill out the Rain Barrel Interest Form to help inform future rain barrel workshops and rebate opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do rain barrels conserve water?

Rain barrels conserve water by collecting rainwater that would otherwise run off your roof and into storm drains, allowing you to store and reuse this captured water to irrigate your lawn and garden, essentially providing a free source of water that reduces your use of and reliance on municipal water supply.

How do rain barrels protect water quality?

Collecting rainwater keeps it from becoming stormwater runoff that can pick up pollutants as it flows to the nearest storm drain and instead puts this precious resource to good use. Stormwater pollution occurs when runoff collects trash, pet waste, chemicals, and other pollutants as it flows through our community. Stormwater ends up directly in local waterways – it is never cleaned or treated.

Is collecting rainwater legal in Colorado?

Collecting rainwater is legal in Colorado. Rainwater harvesting was legalized in Colorado in 2016 with some restrictions: the water can be used for outdoor use only, and single-family residences or multi-family residences (4 or fewer units) can only install 2 barrels with a combined maximum storage of 110 gallons.

I live in a community with a homeowners association, can I install a rain barrel?

Homeowners associations (HOAs) cannot prevent you from getting a rain barrel, but they may have aesthetic or location requirements. Talk to your HOA about what approval processes or aesthetic guidelines you might need to follow.

A 55-gallon barrel coated in gray paint being prepared to be turned into a rain barrel for collecting rainwater.

Rain Barrel Resources

Resources for selecting, building, installing, and maintaining rain barrels will be added to this page soon.