Question

Why does the author include the pictures in the “Construction” section of the “How to Manage Stormwater: Rain Barrels”?

Answer 1

Anytime you include pictures, photos, and other illustrations in documents, it helps the writer show great amounts of complicated data in a way that is easy-to-understand. Using these images helps save space and the graphic elements work to visualize how complex information can be put to together in an appealing way.

In this booklet, written by the Environmental Services department of the City of Portland, there are a lot of illustrations designed to help observe the site, plan, and construct your rain barrel. The pictures in the "Construction" section specifically help you to know about:

• the seven tools needed to build your own rain barrel
• the five tools required to disconnect your downspout and connect it to your barrel
• the six steps to constructing your rain barrel

The end result of these illustrations is that more citizens of Portland (and elsewhere) can properly plan for, and successfuly complete the project of making their own rain barrel. Ultimately, this will have a positive effect on the environment. Specifically, the more rain barrels are being used, sewer demand is reduced and the water quality of streams and groundwater will improve.