2012 Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Registration


Anxiously awaiting your rain barrel? 2012 rain barrel workshops and distribution events coming soon! See below for workshop dates and times.

Register Today!

black barrelA rain barrel is placed under the downspout to collect water from the roof. The rain barrels hold approximately 50 gallons. They are 23 inches wide and range from 41.25 inches to 43.75 inches tall.

Rainwater collection can help you save water for use in your yard, eliminate potential flooding in your basement, and reduce stormwater management costs. Water running off your roof during a rainstorm can be a problem or a resource put to good use!

More rain barrel FAQs

There are two ways to acquire your rain barrel. Attend a build your own rain barrel workshop or purchase a pre-made barrel.

Registration is required and will close at least one week prior to event date. If registering through PayPal please make sure your account's e-mail address is current. If paying by check make sure to include an e-mail address. We must be able to contact you! Please note registration will close at least one week prior to event date.

Refunds and Cancellations. Refunds will not be issued for cancelled registrations or no shows. If you are unable to make the workshop or distribution for which you are registered, please notify us at rainbarrel@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-1428 immediately. We will do our best to reschedule you for a subsequent program. Only one opportunity to reschedule will be given.

Already have your barrel? Look here for helpful hints on what to do when you get your rain barrel home! Installation Instructions (PDF)


Register for a Build Your Own Rain Barrel workshop. At this workshop you will learn how to build, install and maintain a rain barrel, and take one home! Cost for a build your own barrel is $55 with PayPal/credit card payment or by check. Please be aware that your spot at the workshop is not confirmed until we receive payment. See bottom of page if paying by check.

Before you attend the workshop, download Things to Think About Before Installing Your Rain Barrel (PDF file)

Build Your Own Rain Barrel workshop schedule:

  • Saturday, March 31, 9:15 - 11:15 a.m.
    Herndon Community Center
    814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon, VA 20170
  • Saturday, April 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
    Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST)
    6560 Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312
  • Friday, May 12, Alexandria
    Exact time and location coming soon!
  • Friday, May 19, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Walker Nature Center
    11450 Glade Drive, Reston, VA 20191

***Purchase limit of two barrels per household***

Build Your Own Workshop Choice
Please choose your jurisdiction
Phone Number

Register for Pre-Made Barrel if you would rather leave the dirty work to us. This option is slightly more expensive at $65 with PayPal/credit card payment or by check. See bottom of page if paying by check. You must show up at the date and time you register for to pick up your rain barrel.

Before you attend the distribution, download Things to Think About Before Installing Your Rain Barrel (PDF file)

Pre-made barrels can be purchased for pickup on the following dates:

  • Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
    ACE Green Living Expo
    Washington-Lee High School
    1301 N. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA
  • Late June or early July
    Falls Church Property Yard
    7100 Gordon Rd., Falls Church
    More details coming soon!
Pre-Made Barrel Pick-Up Event Choice
Please choose your jurisdiction
Phone Number


Pay by check. Make check payable to NVSWCD. Please use the registration form. To enter in your information on the form, press "Insert" and type in the requested information. Print out the form and mail, along with your check, to:

Rain Barrel Program
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
12055 Government Center Pkwy
Suite 905
Fairfax, VA 22035

For more information, please email rainbarrel@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-1428.

Northern Virginia Rain Barrel Program partner organizations and agencies: Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Arlington County, the City of Falls Church, Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District, the City of Alexandria, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Fairfax County, Fairfax County Public Schools, the Reston Association, and Fairfax County Park Authority. Thank you to all of you who are giving your time and resources to this program.