Encinitas Residents Encouraged To Attend Free Rainwater Harvesting Workshop On January 28th

Various local public agencies have teamed up to put on a free workshop for residents of Encinitas, Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe on January 28^th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club. The green seminar will be aimed at educating local North County residents about the principles of harvesting and utilizing rainwater for landscape beautification.

Sponsored by Encinitas’ San Dieguito Water District, the Olivenhain Municipal Water District and the Santa Fe Irrigation District, the two-hour long workshop will provide residents with the knowledge and resources they need to begin developing their own rainwater harvesting systems – an environmentally friendly landscaping technique which not only reduces the amount of the potable water supply used for outdoor irrigation purposes, but also can provide significant cost savings to homeowners over time.

During the two-hour presentation by expert instructor, Candace Vanderhoff, attendees will learn about four main topics:

• The Benefits of a Rainwater Harvesting System
• Considerations when Evaluating Rainwater at Home
• The Various Parts of a Rainwater Harvesting System
• Selecting the Best Parts for a Rainwater Harvesting System

Discussions will include information about systems of various sizes, from small do-it-yourself barrels to large cisterns and underground storage units.

In addition to the positive effects of utilizing a rainwater harvesting system, one topic of interest to many residents which will be covered at the workshop is local rebate programs that are offered to residents by the area’s various water management agencies. In addition to leaving with a better understanding of how rainwater harvesting is an environmentally and financially positive initiative, one lucky attendee will win a complete rain barrel and assembly kit.

Speaker Candace Vanderhoff is no stranger to rainwater harvesting systems. Vanderhoff, a licensed architect who earned her master’s degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, is CEO of RainThanks, a local venture that promotes regenerative landscape design. RainThanks works with clients to develop solutions that conserve water and create sustainable landscaping plans. In addition to her title as an architect, she is also a certified Permaculture designer, as well as LEED Accredited Professional.

Although the event is free for local residents, attendees are required to reserve their space ahead of time to ensure the proper amount of seating and workshop materials are available. To register for the event, or to inquire about more information, contact the San Dieguito Water District at (760)633-2676. The SDWD can also be reached via e-mail at conserve@sdwd.org for questions or to register your space for the January 28^th class.