Neighbors Helping Neighbors
We want to help our neighbors. Though we can’t solve all of our problems, we are working on creating a program to help seniors, veterans and other citizens extend their downspouts, and potentially, install rain barrels for those who are interested. This small step will not just help with the EPA, but your property, as well!
Currently, we are coordinating with vendors, suppliers and volunteers to collaborate with CMAC. We have also applied for grants to help fund this program. Once we have everything finalized, we’ll share more information.
Your donations will go towards the materials needed for this project, as well as print/mailing items for education, subcontractors if needed, and advertising to create awareness about this program.
Click the “Add” Button below to sign up for your rain barrel
Click Here for Program Details
Downspout and/or rain barrel installation services are available only for the first story of a residence. Homes with two (2) or more stories may not qualify for these services. Each home will be assessed individually to determine eligibility. The rain barrel may be installed on any first-story downspout. The first round will be for neighbors who meet the qualifications.
To install a rain barrel, volunteers will cut the downspout 4 to 5 feet above the ground and direct rainwater into the barrel. Concrete bricks are placed under the rain barrel so a garden hose can be attached to the spigot (hose not included). Install an overflow drain tube two inches from the top of the barrel. Use the collected rainwater only for watering flowers, plants, vegetation, or grass; it is not safe for drinking.
Work is overseen by an experienced home construction or remodeling professional.
Homeowners must sign the “Permission for Installation” form, releasing the Citizens of Maumee Action Committee (CMAC) and volunteers from liabilities. This project is voluntary.
Tenants are required to secure written authorization from their landlord prior to making any modifications to downspouts or installing a rain barrel. The accompanying landlord form grants specific permission for downspout and/or rain barrel installation.
Positioning the rain barrel in a shaded location can prevent algae growth and avoid heating the water, which may cause harm to plants.
CRITERA
- Maumee resident
- A Senior Citizen 65 years of age or older
- Veteran of the US Military
- Disabled
Parameters
- Complete Homeowner Application & Agreement
- If you are a renter, obtain written landlord permission to fix a downspout
- Attend the initial inspection and site scouting.
- Be home during downspout correction and/or rain barrel installation.
- At no time will any of CMAC’s volunteers need to enter your home.
Program Outline
- You will be contacted in about a week or two (2) to set an appointment to evaluate the downspout and/or rain barrel placement.
- Volunteers will not enter your home.
- A volunteer will visit your home to inspect the downspout(s) and ensure rainwater is diverted to the yard away from the foundation and not into a lateral drainpipe.
- Downspout(s) repairs and/or Rain Barrel installation are for first-story homes. Volunteers will not climb up to any second-story home. Rain Barrels can be installed on any first-story downspout.
- The volunteer will assess the downspout construction to find the best match in shape, size, material, and color.
- Discuss and plan for rain barrel placement.
- The volunteer will review the suggestions for your final approval.
- Sign the agreement.
- You will be contacted one week in advance to arrange a day and time.
- On the scheduled day and time:
- The work will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Be present at home for the work to be completed.
- Downspouts will be realigned to ensure rainwater is diverted away from the foundation.
- If needed, downspout(s) will be repaired with materials that best match the shape, size, material, and color.
- The rain barrel is set on concrete blocks.
- The downspout will be shortened up to 5 feet to divert the rainwater into the rain barrel.
- A clean-up will be performed.
Project Goals
Promote Environmental Sustainability
Encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices by helping residents manage stormwater runoff, conserve water, and reduce the strain on Maumee’s sanitary sewer system.
Mitigate EPA Compliance Issues
Support the City of Maumee in addressing EPA concerns by reducing sanitary sewer overflows caused by rainwater entering the system.
Foster Community Connections
Build stronger relationships among neighbors through collaborative activities and shared educational experiences.
Enhance Residential Landscaping
Promote the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional rain gardens to improve property values and neighborhood appearance.
Increase Awareness
Educate residents about water conservation techniques and the city’s sewer infrastructure challenges through targeted communication and hands-on workshops.
Project Objectives
Rain Barrel Distribution and Installation
Encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices by helping residents manage stormwater runoff, conserve water, and reduce the strain on Maumee’s sanitary sewer system.
Downspout Disconnection and Extensions
- Help homeowners disconnect downspouts from the sanitary sewer system.
- Extend downspouts to redirect rainwater to lawns, gardens, or rain barrels, reducing the risk of overflows.
Rain Garden Planning and Guidance
- Offer personalized rain garden planning services to homeowners, tailored to their properties.
- Provide educational materials and workshops on rain garden benefits and installation techniques.
- Rain gardens can capture and infiltrate hundreds of gallons of water per rain event, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.
Educational Outreach
- Create and distribute educational materials about the EPA sewer issues and water conservation strategies.
- Host workshops, neighborhood meetings, and other events to engage residents and encourage participation.
Community Building
- Facilitate connections between neighbors through program events and collaborative activities.
- Foster a sense of shared responsibility for the community’s environmental health.
Project Background
The City of Maumee is currently addressing significant challenges related to stormwater management and compliance with EPA regulations concerning its sanitary sewer system. Rainwater entering the sanitary system has caused overflows and operational strain, necessitating a community-wide effort to mitigate the issue.
To address these challenges, the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program was conceived as a collaborative initiative that combines environmental stewardship with community engagement. By helping residents install rain barrels, disconnect downspouts, and create rain gardens, the program aims to reduce the volume of rainwater entering the sanitary sewer system. These efforts will directly contribute to compliance with EPA standards while simultaneously promoting water conservation and enhancing residential landscaping.
For example, if 100 households install rain barrels, the community could collectively conserve over 130,000 gallons of water annually. Similarly, disconnecting downspouts and redirecting rainwater can prevent tens of thousands of gallons of stormwater from overwhelming the sanitary sewer system during a single heavy rain event.
In addition to its environmental focus, the program is designed to foster community spirit and connections. Through workshops, meetings, and collaborative projects, residents will have the opportunity to learn from one another and work together toward common goals. This holistic approach ensures that the program not only addresses technical issues but also strengthens the social fabric of the Maumee community.
The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program is designed to serve the residents of Maumee, Ohio, a city with a population of approximately 13,000 people. The program primarily targets homeowners, particularly those in neighborhoods experiencing high volumes of stormwater runoff or with direct connections to the sanitary sewer system. By engaging a broad cross-section of the community, the program aims to create widespread environmental and social benefits. In addition, educational workshops and events will be open to all residents, ensuring that everyone in the community has access to valuable resources and opportunities to participate in improving Maumee’s environmental health and sustainability.