Install a rain barrel on an invited Milwaukee north side home

Milwaukee's combined sewers overflow into the rivers and lake when storms outrun the system, and every barrel holding a roof's first flush keeps water out of the surge. The sewerage district has pushed home rain capture for years; installing barrels for households who can't do it themselves closes the gap. Standard: MMSD green infrastructure program practice; SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation. Proof: Installed-barrel photos with fill test Method (MMSD green infrastructure program practice; SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.): 1. Confirm the host's invitation and pick the downspout serving the largest roof face. 2. Set a level base of pavers or gravel beside the downspout. 3. Cut the downspout to height and fit the diverter into the barrel inlet. 4. Attach the overflow hose aimed away from the foundation. 5. Run a hose test to confirm fill and overflow work. 6. Photograph the finished installation and test with GPS and date on. Done when: Installed-barrel photos with fill test

Where

Host-invited home, N Sherman Boulevard block, Milwaukee, WI 53210

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Installed-barrel photos with fill test

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-01

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–75 minutes. Method of record: EPA green-infrastructure inspection (bioretention / bioswale / permeable pavement function + maintenance)

Bring

• measuring tape
• GPS phone
• camera
• trowel / probe
• data sheet
• gloves

Steps

1. 1. Locate the GI asset; record GPS; identify the type (rain garden / bioswale / permeable pavement / tree filter).
2. 2. Photograph the asset, its inlet, and its outlet/overflow.
3. 3. Check the inlet and outlet for blockage (sediment, trash, mulch) and note whether flow can enter/leave freely.
4. 4. Check for standing water and estimate whether it drains within the design window (typically <24-48h after rain); probe media if dry.
5. 5. Assess vegetation/media condition and estimate sediment/trash accumulation depth.
6. 6. Note erosion, bypass, or structural damage and list the maintenance needed.
7. 7. Enter asset type, condition, inlet/outlet status, drainage observation, sediment level, maintenance needs, GPS, photos; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Standing water persists > 48h after rain -> flag failed infiltration (clogged media) for rehab.
• Inlet or outlet blocked -> flag for cleaning; the asset isn't capturing runoff.
• Erosion, undercutting, or flow bypassing the asset -> flag for repair.
• Documentation only — no digging out media or altering structures.

What counts as done

• Asset type + overall condition recorded
• Inlet + outlet clear/blocked status recorded
• Standing-water / infiltration observation recorded
• Sediment/trash level + maintenance recommendations + GPS + photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.