Published: Feb 06, 2017 | 09:00 AM

Harvest Rain Water and Save

Weather experts have been talking about atmospheric rivers as the cause of the early January storms that have filled reservoirs and bolstered the Sierra snowpack.

During those rains, did you wonder if there was a way to catch and save all of that precious water instead of allowing it to course down the storm drains?

There is a way – install rain barrels underneath your downspouts, then use the water to irrigate your plants during dry times. Water collected from rain is good for your plants and keeps money in your pocket by reducing the amount of water you need to use from the spigot.

IRWD sweetens that pot with $75 rebates per rain barrel purchased (limit of two), and $250 to $350 per cistern (based on the storage capacity of the cistern). Visit rightscapenow.com/rebates for more details.

Another effective method for keeping water on your property instead of running off is the use of permeable surfaces. There is a way to make impermeable surfaces, such as driveways and walkways, into a permeable, water-saving surface. Just break up hard-paced surfaces for water to seep through.

On the other hand, you can remove and replace hard-paved surfaces with permeable ones. Walkways that use materials such as gravel or bark are permeable. Stepping-stones can be surrounded by gravel, mulch or plant material. Permeable pavers are available at any garden supply store.

Any of these methods allows water to soak into the soil, reducing runoff.