What is a rain barrel?
A Rain Barrel is a water tank which is used to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops via rain gutters. Rain Barrels are devices for collecting and maintaining harvested rain. Rain Barrels are installed to make use of soft rain water for home use, reduce public utility water use, and aid self-sufficiency. In arid climates, rain barrels are often used to store water during the rainy season for use during dryer periods. Rain Barrels can also be used for retention of storm water for release at later time. Rain water can be used for flushing toilets, in washing machines, watering gardens, washing cars, agriculture, and sometimes for drinking, if special care and proper filtration is preformed so that the water is not contaminated. Disadvantages of a Rain Barrel used for drinking water include the initial upfront cost, especially where water charges are otherwise fixed. Occasional maintenance to the barrel is also required, or the user runs a health risk if maintenance
A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need it most during periods of drought to water plants, wash your car, or to top a swimming pool. It provides an ample supply of free ‘soft water’ to homeowners, containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flowerpots, and car or window washing. Using a rain barrel diverts water from storm drains, decreasing the impact of runoff to streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Therefore, a rain barrel is an easy way for you to “Save the Bay” and have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, FREE!
A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Usually a rain barrel is composed of a 55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen grate to keep debris and insects out. A rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under any down spout. What are the advantages of a rain barrel? Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need to water plants or wash car. Rain barrels provide an ample supply of free “soft water” containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flower or the potted plants. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a rain barrel can potentially save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water not only helps protect the environment,
