What Is a Rainwater Barrel?
A rainwater barrel, often simply referred to as a rain barrel, is a vessel used for collecting and reusing rainwater. The collection of rainwater is a centuries-old practice, but it has seen resurgence in recent years as acts of conservation become more and more widespread. A rainwater barrel can be part of a sophisticated collection system or can be as simple as a large trash can. A rainwater barrel is positioned directly beneath a downspout on a home’s gutter system so that runoff water is collected directly into the vessel.