No, that’s not Crabtree Falls. But seriously, recently in my hunt to find a cheap way to make a rain barrel, I made an astonishing discovery…but more on that in a bit. It all begins one hungover Saturday when I was at the Farmer’s Market, and was very impressed at the number of people that were taking interest in the guys that were selling rain barrels for the low low price of around $100. Which, to their credit, is actually a VERY reasonable price. But I wanted cheaper. Like…the price of a couple of beers cheaper. And with us living a such a drought-likely area, having a rain barrel seems like a logical thing to do.

So I thought to me-self: who in town would have a heapum big load of plastic barrels? My brain eventually landed on the Coca-Cola bottling plant (which, as it turns out is only corporate offices). I gave them a ring, and I was connected to Marilyn, a lovely lady who informed me that the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation people had contacted her about this earlier in the day. Long story short, she’s been trying to get this program running for a while now; a program where the Coke offices here will have the 55-gal syrup drums shipped down to Charlottesville from Baltimore, and given away for free(!) to interested parties. She told me that she is building up ammo to present this to her higher-ups, and is looking for support. Our support.

If this is something that you either support or would like to have at your own shack, please contact Marilyn at marilynpbartoes@cokecce.com

After you have your barrel, you’ll need about $15 in supplies, and you’re off. Off to water your pansies, Koi garden, or mud wrestling pit.

Directions after the break

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Popularity: 31% [?]

A little birdie explains:

There’s a huge busted water main over by Quarry Park. Lots of city guys standing around.

So, can someone get pictures of the action and send them in?!

UPDATE: Now with pictures from Tom Daly!

More pictures after the break! »Read More

Popularity: 47% [?]

Thanks to the little birdie that sent this in…Are drugs in Charlottesville drinking water? A recent AP investigation makes me think so.

A recent AP investigative report found that drugs like steroids, narcotics and birth control were found in drinking water which feeds over 41 million Americans. Water providers are very reluctant to disclose pharmaceutical drug screenings, but here is what the AP found in major metropolitan areas:

Officials in Philadelphia said testing there discovered 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts in treated drinking water, including medicines for pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems. Sixty-three pharmaceuticals or byproducts were found in the city’s watersheds. »Read More

Popularity: 19% [?]