This web page has information that can help homeowners conserve water that would normally not be used, such as rain barrels, household composters and rain gardens. Also, for those who live in rural areas not connected to a sewer line, we have information regarding on-lot septic care.

Do you raise a garden, have a lawn, an orchard or a small pasture? A soil test is a great way to determine whether you really need fertilizer or need lime to help your plants grow better. We also have drinking water and pond/lake water test kits. Check out the test kit links on the right hand side of this web page for details.

Rain barrels provide rainwater that has no added chemicals. In-town residents that use public water can save on their water bill. A 2,100 square foot roof produces 1,260 gallons of water per 1 inch storm.

Rain barrels provide free water without stressing the water supply. They also help promote infiltration of water into the groundwater that would otherwise be lost to stormwater runoff, water that is shed from impervious surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and rooftops.

The Snyder County Conservation District has hosted over 20 rain barrel workshops since May 2009. Workshops have been held in Middleburg, Penns Creek and Laurelton, PA. Almost 400 rain barrels were given or sold during that time. Recently, workshops were held in April and June 2011.

A rain garden is a type of garden which takes advantage of rainfall and stormwater in its design and plant selection.

Rather than a raised garden (such as raised earthen beds), the structure is shaped like a bowl which will collect the water. It is designed to withstand the extremes of moisture and the concentrations of nutrients.

On the surface it looks like an attractive garden and serves as a habitat for birds and butterflies. Below the surface it is planted in a way that stormwater is cleaned and reduced in volume.

For a picture describing how a rain garden works, download the rain garden schematic in the "Rain Garden Downloads" section of this web page. "Rain Garden Downloads" also has information about the New Berlin rain gardens installed in 2010 with help from the Lower Penns Creek Watershed Association.

Another way to help the environment is to compost your own household waste. Check out our pamphlet about composting at home and how to do it under the "Household Composting Downloads" at this web page's right.

In June 2011, the Snyder County Conservation District held three workshops about household composting. Participants who attended took home a tumbler composter constructed by SCCD staff. Go read about it by going to the "Household Composting Downloads" section.

For more information, contact Jason Winey, Watershed Specialist, at 570-837-3000, x112.

Roughly 50% of Snyder County residents own an on-lot wastewater treatment system (more commonly known as a septic system). Are you one of them? 

Many people don’t know where their septic system is located, how the system works or how to maintain that system. When septic systems go bad, groundwater may become polluted.

A properly functioning septic system not only keeps pathogens and nutrients out of surface and groundwater supplies but spares homeowners from very expensive repairs or replacement costs.

In the "On Lot Septic Links" section, you can download a publication regarding maintenance printed by the Snyder County Conservation District and originally produced by the Fulton County Conservation District.