Information About Rain Barrels
Rain barrels have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity. This demand is driven by the rising price of municipal water sources as well as water restrictions required in drought-stricken areas. Rain barrels allow homeowners to harvest this valuable natural resource for their own use, which in turn extends and conserves municipal water supplies.
Inexpensive to construct, a rain barrel is a rainwater-harvesting system typically made from a 55-gallon drum. The rain barrel sits underneath a downspout and collects water that would ordinarily flow into storm sewers and streams.
If you wanted to construct your own rain barrel out of a leftover plastic drum or barrel, you would also need to buy vinyl hose, PVC couplings and a screen grate to keep out debris and insects. Pre-made rain barrels are increasingly available at hardware stores, garden centers and online. (See References 1)
Water Conservation Benefits
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), outdoor irrigation accounts for nearly 40 percent of water use by households during the summer (see References 1). Indeed, the water used for watering lawns and landscaping during the summer can exceed the amount of water used for all other purposes in the course of a year (see References 2). This is often especially true in more-arid climates.
Municipalities often institute mandatory water restrictions during periods of drought. One Colorado study found that mandatory restrictions resulted in water savings of 18 to 56 percent per capita (see References 3). Homeowners under such water restrictions can rely on water stored in rain barrels to water plants or wash cars. According to the EPA, a rain barrel will save the average homeowner about 1,300 gallons during the summer months (see References 1).
While rain barrels conserve water and save homeowners money, one of the best reasons to install a rainwater-collection system is that the water collected in rain barrels is actually better for plants. Rainwater is superior to tap water due to its purity and softness. It is also slightly acidic, and free from chlorine, salts, mineral, disinfectant byproducts and other contaminants (see References 4). This free supply of soft water is ideal for lawns, container gardens, or even car washing (see References 1).
Since weather patterns are unpredictable, homeowners are at the mercy of Mother Nature when it comes to filling up their rain barrels. Rain barrels may not be a good long-term drought solution in some extremely dry areas. Untreated rainwater may be suitable for some other home uses, such as flushing toilets, but this would require the installation of additional plumbing and perhaps simple water-treatment systems. Rainwater must be treated to be used as drinking water.
Recycled food-grade barrels may need to be painted to blend in with their surroundings. Rain barrels also require occasional maintenance to ensure that everything is working properly. If your roof's downspout is in an inconvenient spot, you may have to rig some extra pipes to direct the water to a spot that can accommodate a rain barrel. (See References 4)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; What is a Rain Barrel?; August 2009
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Conserving Water
- Journal of the American Water Resources Association; Use and Effectiveness of Municipal Water Restrictions...; Douglas S. Kenney, et al; February 2004
- Texas Water Development Board: Frequently Asked Questions
Based in the Midwest, Bethany Wieman has been writing articles about gardening, DIY, finance, travel and sustainability for more than 10 years. She was featured in the book "The Complete Guide to Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs from Containers." Wieman's professional background is in marketing, working with such brands as Swiss Army, Timberland and Callaway Golf. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English.