Rain Reclaim
About the Project
Rain Reclaim is a youth-led climate action project addressing Hudson's inefficient sewer systems and fixed-price water billing, which does little to encourage conservation. Led by The Spark of Hudson in partnership with ToolShed, the project brought together 13 local high school students to design, build, and install their own rainwater harvesting systems — using recycled materials — for use in their home gardens.
The rainwater collected is used to irrigate community gardens and green spaces around Hudson, offering a hands-on, practical solution to local water management challenges while building climate resilience skills in the next generation of community leaders.
When: Fall 2024
(Photos by Kate Warren)
Why We Did It
Many Hudson residents already garden at home, but few realize how much water goes to waste, or how limited clean water really is. With Hudson's flat-rate water billing offering no financial incentive to conserve, and stormwater runoff an ongoing issue for the city's aging sewer system, Rain Reclaim set out to give residents a simple, low-cost way to collect and reuse rainwater right at home.
The project also doubled as an educational opportunity, pairing local teens with hands-on tool skills and environmental literacy they could carry forward — and eventually teach to others.
What We Did
Designed and built a prototype rainwater collection system using recycled barrels
Hosted a hands-on workshop for local teens to learn to build their own systems from start to finish
Created a step-by-step guide to building home-based rainwater collection systems, so the knowledge can spread throughout Columbia County and beyond
Engaged the community with an inclusive, accessible workshop offering free participation, tools, and snacks
Impact by the Numbers
15 rainwater collection systems built
13 student participants engaged
Water conservation tracked by system capacity and total volume conserved
Led By
The project was guided by Fathema Rahman, The Spark's Youth Workforce Development Coordinator, in collaboration with ToolShed for expert design and construction support, and powered by a team of dedicated youth apprentices.
What Participants Are Saying
"A lot of people don't realize how much water is wasted, and a lot of people don't realize there's not a lot of clean water — it's not infinite. That's how I thought of learning a way to save water."
- Youth Apprentice
"I'm not a tools person, but it was easy. I like how we used repurposed barrels — it was an environmentally friendly concept overall."
- Workshop Participant
"I'm usually not into different environmental activities, but it was new and refreshing to learn about. I am happy to be a part of it."
- Youth Apprentice
"Learning about how to make something to help our environment... a lot of people garden in Hudson, and this is a very cool way to save money and water."
- Workshop Participant
"Rain Reclaim brought together young people, builders, and neighbors to take on a real climate challenge right here in Hudson. Now, with guides to help others replicate the system, we're thrilled that the impact can extend far beyond our building and into the wider community."
- Caitie Hilverman, The Spark of Hudson
"This Rain Reclaim workshop was such a powerful way to show young people that climate action doesn't start big. Collecting rainwater offers a hands-on way for people to connect with the environment and discover how they can make a difference locally. My hope is that this guidebook not only teaches how to build rain barrels, but also sparks a deeper commitment to caring for our community and environment."
- Fathema Rahman, Workforce Development Manager, The Spark of Hudson
