A rain barrel is a container connected to a home’s downspout designed to capture and store rainwater that runs off the roof. This simple form of rainwater harvesting collects precipitation that would otherwise become stormwater runoff. By intercepting this flow, the barrel makes a natural resource available for later use, serving both household needs and broader environmental goals. Storing this non-potable water makes it a sustainable choice for homeowners managing water resources.
Direct Uses for Collected Water
The water collected in a rain barrel is not suitable for drinking or cooking due to potential contaminants from the roof surface, such as bird droppings or shingle particles. However, this stored water is perfectly suited for a variety of outdoor household tasks. The most common use is for irrigation, including watering vegetable gardens, flower beds, and container plants. Beyond gardening, the stored water can be used for cleaning purposes around the home, such as washing cars and bicycles, rinsing off dirty gardening tools, and cleaning outdoor furniture or patios. For pet owners, the water can be used to refill outdoor pet water dishes, provided it is filtered to remove debris.
Financial and Resource Conservation Advantages
Using stored rainwater translates into financial benefits by reducing a household’s reliance on municipal water supplies. Outdoor watering, especially during the summer months, often accounts for a significant portion of a home’s total water consumption. By substituting treated tap water with free rainwater for irrigation, homeowners can save a substantial amount of money on their utility bills. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests that a single rain barrel can conserve approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer usage. Rainwater is naturally soft, meaning it has a low concentration of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. This soft quality is better for plants, as hard water minerals can accumulate in the soil over time and interfere with nutrient uptake. Furthermore, municipal water is treated with chlorine, which can be detrimental to beneficial soil microbes. Rainwater, being chlorine-free, supports a healthier soil ecosystem for gardens and landscaping.
Managing Stormwater Runoff
Installing a rain barrel mitigates the negative effects of stormwater runoff on local infrastructure and ecosystems. When rain falls on impervious surfaces like rooftops, the water flows rapidly across the land instead of slowly soaking into the ground. This sudden rush of water can overwhelm storm sewer systems, increasing the risk of localized flooding and sewer backups. By capturing and holding this water, a rain barrel reduces the volume and velocity of runoff entering the storm drain system during a rain event. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, pesticides, and trash, transporting these materials directly into local rivers and streams. Reducing runoff helps limit non-point source pollution, which protects aquatic life and improves the quality of local waterways.
Essential Setup and Maintenance
Proper installation is necessary for a rain barrel to function safely and effectively. The barrel should be elevated slightly off the ground, typically on a stand or concrete blocks, to allow gravity to provide enough water pressure for filling watering cans or connecting a hose. A proper connection to the downspout must be made to direct water into the barrel, often using a diverter kit. Maintenance involves preventing debris and insect breeding. All entry points, including the intake opening and any overflow ports, must be covered with a fine-mesh screen, preferably 1/16-inch mesh, to block mosquitoes from laying eggs. A securely sealed barrel prevents this health risk. Before the first freeze of winter, the barrel must be completely drained, disconnected from the downspout, and stored indoors or inverted to prevent the expansion of freezing water from cracking the container.