LEARN MORE ABOUT
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are one of the easiest ways you can help protect our waterways. While rain barrels seem small, they can have a big impact on the health of our streams (and your wallet). Let’s go walking in the rain, shall we?
What is a rain barrel?
A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater from your roof gutters and downspouts. Most rain barrels consist of a 55-gallon drum with an opening on the top, through which the rain water passes. The barrel has a spigot at the bottom which allows you to fill up smaller containers for use around your yard. Sometimes a small hose is attached to the spigot to direct water into a nearby area such as a flower bed.
…but what do I do with the water?
If the rain barrel that you own is food-grade, you can use stored rainwater to irrigate your garden! If not, you can still use the water to irrigate your lawn, trees, shrubs, indoor and other ornamental plants! Rainwater can even be used to wash your car or clean outdoor items. While it’s ideal to have a use for the collected water, it is not necessary. Even the act of harvesting rainwater is still beneficial to your local ecosystem.
Holding back stormwater during a rain event when large amounts of water are entering storm sewers helps to reduce the volume and intensity of water entering streams and contributing to streambank erosion. In this case, water from your rain barrel can be released a couple days after the rain event to slowly infiltrate or evaporate.
By installing a rain barrel, you can help protect our streams from high stormwater volume as seen in this video.
Why should I get a rain barrel?
Let’s rephrase the question: why are you paying a utility for water to irrigate your plants or wash your car when FREE WATER LITERALLY FALLS FROM THE SKY?!? Saving water with rain barrels helps you save money on your water bills while helping prevent the pollution of your communities’ creeks and streams. Why? Because rain barrels help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff leaving your property. This runoff can carry pollutants like pesticides, fertilizer, oil, and harmful chemicals directly into our streams. You can be part of the solution!
How can I build my own rain barrel?
If you’re good with your hands and have access to a few simple tools you can build your own rain barrel using a trash can! Find out exactly how at the following links.
How To Make A Rain Barrel From A Garbage Can in Five Easy Steps
Where can I get a rain barrel?
Periodically, we offer rain barrel workshops for residents which includes installation instructions as well as a free rain barrel. If you’re interested in purchasing a rain barrel for your home, various shapes and sizes can be found online as well as at your local home improvement store.
For larger organizations or watershed groups interested in distributing rain barrels in your municipality, consider purchasing wholesale from Camels Hump Rain Barrels. These rain barrels are made from food-grade recycled olive barrels. Visit www.camels-hump.com for more information.
