Install a rain barrel on an invited Arcata home's downspout

Arcata's roofs shed heavy winter rain into storm drains that run to Humboldt Bay, then gardens go dry all summer when the rain stops completely. A rain barrel on one downspout stores winter water for summer beds and takes a little pressure off the storm system on every storm. Standard: EPA WaterSense outdoor water-saving practice + city stormwater guidance; SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation. Proof: Before/after photos of the connected barrel Method (EPA WaterSense outdoor water-saving practice + city stormwater guidance; SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.): 1. Confirm the invitation and pick the downspout nearest the garden with the occupant. 2. Photograph the downspout before work. 3. Set the barrel on a firm, level base and cut the downspout to fit the diverter per kit instructions. 4. Fit the diverter, overflow hose pointed away from the foundation, and screened lid. 5. Run a hose test or wait for rain to confirm flow into the barrel. 6. Photograph the finished installation and record the address block and date. Done when: Before/after photos of the connected barrel

Where

Invited homes, Westwood and Sunset neighborhoods, Arcata, CA 95521

Pay

$200 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

Before/after photos of the connected barrel

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

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-03

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 45–90 minutes. Method of record: EPA WaterSense fixture flow-rate + leak audit

Bring

• flow-rate measurement bag + timer
• toilet dye tablets
• moisture meter
• GPS / address
• camera
• tablet / data sheet

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the address; get a staff escort; photograph each fixture group.
2. 2. Measure flow rate at each faucet/shower with the bag-and-timer method; record gallons per minute (gpm).
3. 3. Test each toilet for leaks with a dye tablet (wait 10 min, check for color in the bowl); record flush volume.
4. 4. Inspect fixtures, meters, and irrigation for visible leaks/drips; note each.
5. 5. Read the water meter with all fixtures off; note any movement (indicates a hidden leak).
6. 6. Rank WaterSense fixture upgrades + leak repairs by estimated water/cost savings.
7. 7. Record flow rates, leak results, meter check, ranked measures, and photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Meter moving with all fixtures off AND active water damage (wet drywall, ceiling stain, pooling near electrical) -> STOP: possible electrical exposure; keep clear, route to a licensed plumber (and electrician if water contacts wiring). The agent documents, never opens walls.
• Suspected cross-connection / backflow risk (hose-bib, irrigation, boiler makeup) -> flag for a licensed plumber backflow test; potable-water contamination is a health hazard — do not test-operate the connection.
• Toilet dye migrates into the bowl -> flag a leaking flapper/valve for repair.
• Meter moves with all fixtures off -> flag a hidden leak for investigation.
• Faucet > 2.2 gpm or showerhead > 2.0 gpm -> recommend a WaterSense upgrade.
• No electrical/gas work; documentation only — flag suspected pipe damage, do not disassemble.

What counts as done

• Flow rate (gpm) recorded per fixture
• Toilet leak result + flush volume recorded per toilet
• Meter-with-all-off check recorded
• Ranked upgrade/repair measures + photos + address confirm

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.