what is a rain barrel?
Rain barrels are containers that collect and store rainwater to be used for watering plants, cleaning yard equipment, or topping off a swimming pool. Rain water is usually soft and very good for your indoor and outdoor plants. Rain barrels help manage the stormwater that runs off our roofs, driveways and roads. This water picks up pollutants and rushes into our waterways, eroding stream banks and causing pollution concerns. If collected in a rain barrel, stormwater can be released slowly, giving it time to seep into our soil as groundwater. Rain barrels can be designed to fit in nicely with your house and landscaping. There are endless possibilities!
The Conservancy hosts several rain barrel workshops each year!
rain barrel benefits:
Saves money spent on household water use. Rain water is FREE!
Provides plants with soft water, free of chlorine, lime or calcium.
Conserves water for use during droughts.
Helps to mitigate the problem of stormwater runoff.
Reduces flooding on your property (and your downhill neighbor's).
Parts of a rain barrel:
Barrel - must be a food-grade container! A rain barrel should be placed on a raised, level surface to increase hose pressure.
Inlet - an opening in the top of a rain barrel where water enters. A screen should cover this opening to keep out mosquitos and debris.
Spigot - an opening near the bottom of a rain barrel where stored water can be accessed. A hose can be attached here for easy use!
Overflow - an opening near the top of the barrel to allow excess water to escape. Overflow water should always be directed away from foundations and other structures.