Less than one percent of the world's water is accessible freshwater, yet rain is often overlooked.
H2Ojai is a teen-led initiative dedicated to transforming how our community captures, conserves, and values its water. We installed five artist-painted rain barrels in visible public spaces around Ojai, CA, to inspire people to install their own. Rain barrels capture roof runoff that would otherwise be wasted, repurposing it as a sustainable, non-potable water source for our drought-prone community.
Turning Rain Into Resilience
Ojai has been considered drought-prone for over a century, with records indicating that 67% of years since 1906 have seen below-average rainfall. This variability strains our municipal water supply, as residents often rely on hoses for gardens even when seasonal storms deliver significant rain that mostly runs off roofs and streets unused.
H2Ojai challenges this through the installation of artist-painted rain barrels in visible spaces to promote and inspire rain harvesting. Rain barrels catch runoff that would otherwise be wasted, providing a sustainable alternative for landscaping that reduces the strain on our community’s shared supply. Designed to make rain harvesting visible and beautiful, H2Ojai empowers residents to turn wasted runoff into a vital resource.
Join The Movement
Harvesting rainwater is easier than you think. Rain barrels are affordable (typically $60–$150), take less than 30 minutes to install, last for over a decade and will save you money on your water bill. The better we learn to use water effectively, the more resilient our communities and planet will be.
