What are some things I’ll need to consider before installing a rain barrel or cistern?
Landscaping & Washing Needs Most rain barrels hold about 50 gallons and can be strung end to end. Rain cisterns typically hold 1,000 to 5,000 gallons. To qualify for our cistern rebate, your cistern must hold 1,000 gallons or more. To estimate your landscape water needs, subtract your winter water from your summer water usage. Water Catchment Potential One inch of rain on 1,000 horizontal square feet of roof yields 600 gallons of rainwater. James City County averages 47 inches of precipitation per year. That means 28,200 gallons of rainwater fall on the same roof over the course of a year. Increase storage capacity by using rain barrels in series or a rain cistern. The greater your storage capacity, the better your yard can weather a dry spell. Cost Finished rain barrels run $80 to $190 for 50-65 gallons of storage. Constructing a rain barrel yourself should cost only $15 to $40. Typically, a dollar per gallon of storage is the rule of thumb for pricing larger rain cisterns. A rain cis
