Hernando County Utilities Offers Free Rain Barrel Workshops for Residents

Hernando County Utilities District is running monthly rain barrel workshops open to all county residents, offering hands-on instruction in installation, maintenance, and water-conservation techniques at no cost to attend.

The workshops teach participants how to capture roof runoff in rain barrels for later use on lawns, gardens, and indoor plants. According to U.S. EPA guidance cited by HCUD, collecting that runoff reduces the volume of water flowing off a property while providing free water for landscape use. HCUD describes rain barrels as capturing rainwater "from a roof and hold it for later use" while helping to reduce stormwater runoff that would otherwise leave the property entirely.

Beyond the educational component, participants may have the opportunity to purchase or receive a rain barrel through the program. HCUD has not published a price for barrels obtained at the workshops, and the specific conditions under which a barrel can be received at no charge were not detailed in program materials. Separately, HCUD notes rebate programs tied to participation; when registering, attendees are asked to disclose whether they are HCUD customers or well-users, which determines eligibility for those rebates.

Anyone who wants only the educational instruction, without taking home a barrel, can attend at no cost.

Registration is open now. To sign up, call (352) 540-6230, email copitts@hernandocounty.us, or visit the HCUD Administration Building at 15365 Cortez Blvd in Brooksville. HCUD asks registrants to provide their address, the names of everyone attending, and their HCUD customer or well-user status.

Specific upcoming workshop dates were not listed in current program materials. Prospective attendees should contact HCUD directly to confirm the next scheduled session, workshop duration, and barrel availability before registering.