Decorative rain barrel

It is estimated that the average rain shower that falls on the typical home results in more than 700 gallons of perfectly good rainwater running off and seeping into the ground. That amount of rainwater alone is the equivalent of almost 20 baths or nearly 60 showers. Larger buildings with correspondingly larger span roofs of course result in even more rainwater being wasted, often as much as several thousand gallons of rainwater at a time.

Since water is an ever decreasing precious resource, it only makes sense to look into the many benefits that rain barrels can offer you as well as the environment. Aside from the fact that all of this rainwater is simply wasted, it also seeps into the ground and eventually makes its way into the storm drains and eventually any lakes or other bodies of water in the immediate vicinity, carrying with it various pollutants and toxins, and further placing stress on the area’s water sewerage systems.

Rain barrels then serve an important function, and that is to collect and store all the rainwater that would have otherwise been wasted, so you can put it to good use. In its most basic form, rain barrels are simply large containers that collect water that comes from rooftops or other impermeable surfaces around the home. A good rain in a typical home will result in rain barrels being filled fairly quickly, with the rainwater collected amounting to as much as 200 gallons of perfectly useable water. This rainwater can then be used as an irrigation source for your lawn or garden, or can be used for such tasks as washing your car or windows. This will have the effect of greatly reducing your water bill and reduce the pollutants that enter the ground water, as well as put all that collected rainwater to good use.

Your options for rain barrels range from commercially available rain barrels to rain barrels made out of materials that can be found around the home or in a typical garden supply store. Many commercial rain barrels have fixtures built in such as hose or faucet connectors, which make them convenient for regular use or for hooking up with other rain barrels in order to collect even more rainwater. Of course you can also choose to simply build your own rain barrels…which may take some time and work­…but can be quite a bit cheaper than buying ready made rain barrels. Regardless of what type of rain barrels you plan to install, it is important to place them where they will collect the maximum amount of rainwater possible.

More and more people are returning to the use of rain barrels. The most likely reasons for this are drought situations occurring in many parts of the country as well as an increasing awareness of the need for water conservation in general.

The drivers that make people choose to collect rainwater vary. Many see it as the answer to maintaining green lawns and healthy gardens despite watering restrictions in water poor cities and towns. Others turn to rain barrels to keep their water bills down. Other than drinking and cooking, water from rain barrels or cisterns can fill a multitude of needs.

Finally , some people choose to set up rain barrels simply because they are concerned about water conservation in itself.

Rain barrels can be purchased commercially or made from recycled wooden or plastic storage barrels. Regardless of the source of your barrel, you will need the following basics:
1.
Rain gutter and downspout
2.
Barrel or other large container
3. Debris screen
4. Tight fitting lid
5.
Spout or outlet hose

If you already have rain gutters on your home you have a head start. You will have to install them if you do not have them. A downspout will divert the rainwater into the waiting container.

Rain barrels can be wood or plastic, new or recycled. If you choose to use a recycled barrel, be certain to learn what has been stored in it to assure you will not be reentering toxins into the water. Solid, fitted covers ensure rain barrels will not be a danger to children. Rain barrels need a distribution outlet in the form of a spout with a valve or a piece of hose. A benefit of harvesting rainwater is that it has no chlorine or other chemicals which makes it healthy for plants. Even when watering bans are not in place, recycling rainwater for the sprinkler, etc. insures more water for consumption. When heavy rains fill the drainage system, it mixes with polutants and carries them off into the natural waterways. Natural drainage through the soil and rock bed purifies the water before it reenters the ecosystem.

On a personal level, using rain barrels to collect and store rainwater helps your wallet as well as your plants. It is also good for the environment by reducing consumption and improving the quality of our natural water supplies.