Haine Middle School students Zoe Moldovan, left, and Mackenzie Green react to the lid flying up as they carry a rain barrel to load into a car during a a rain barrel demonstration and workshop at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Wednesday April 24, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

A conversation about water conservation happened at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center’s Franklin Station Room on Wednesday, April 24.

The event, cohosted by the township and students from Haine Middle School during the township’s Earth Week covered the environmental advantages of owning a rain barrel, offered guidance on how to efficiently use a rain barrel and sent participants home with their own rain barrel.

Rain barrels are designed to capture rainwater from roofs that would otherwise become runoff. Water collected can then be used to water garden. Their use can reduce erosion and flooding.

Haine Middle School student Matthew Frenz helps lift a rain barrel to load into a car during a rain barrel demonstration and workshop at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Wednesday April 24, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Haine Middle School student Courtney Weinreich prepares to carry a rain barrel and load it into a car during a rain barrel demonstration and workshop at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Wednesday April 24, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Haine Middle School students Adweta Pattniak, left, and Nina Mancine carry a rain barrel to load into a car during a a rain barrel demonstration and workshop at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Wednesday April 24, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Tim Schutzman a Cranberry Township engineer & environmental services waterworks coordinator shows how to operate a rain barrel during a rain barrel demonstration and workshop at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Wednesday April 24, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Haine Middle School student Sebastian Wilson lifts up a rain barrel to load into a car during a a rain barrel demonstration and workshop at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center on Wednesday April 24, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle