Rain Water Never Felt So Good

Here in the North East US, we hardly need any more rain. Entire crops are ruined due to how much rain we get and the frequency with which we are getting it. Or, are we just spoiled from many years off average?

To look at my great great grandmother's diaries (yes, we have them! 1894-1924), the frequency of rain was twice what we have been averaging for at least the last decade. And the creek across the road from my house proves it.

Growing up, that creek never ran dry. Ever. It always ran fast and quite often, mid-shin depth. There used to be a ferry across the Susquehanna just down the road - Harper's Ferry. Now, the creek is barely above the top of a person's foot, even with 4" of rain in July and 3/4" of rain the first 2 days of August. The ferry? Long gone. Even if we didn't have bridges every few miles, the water is so low no ferry could think about crossing. Most places, the water is no more than knee deep.

That tells me 2 things - we aren't getting enough rain, and we've overdeveloped our land. For another article that goes more in depth about this, click here. I have theories on droughts and drought monitoring that you might wish to explore - and even discuss!
I'm all ears and would love to hear view points after you read this...

So yes, we've had a rainy slightly below average temperature summer thus far. It's sad that our crops are drowning, rotting, molding in the fields. There are many factors that created the issue. But it doesn't successfully create an argument about not collecting rain water and not trying to keep it on the land, rather than usher it away as quickly as possible. Look at the ways I've discussed in collecting rain water or using the water from your roof and driveway without actually collecting it. It makes life far easier, greener and healthier for all.