Rain barrels capture and store rainwater, helping conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff. The collected rain can be used to water your gardens while lowering your water bill. Adding a rain barrel (or two) to your downspout is a simple way to make your home more environmentally-friendly.
What Happens to Rain That Falls on Your Roof?
When rain falls on your roof, it is funneled into gutters and downspouts. The water is typically directed away from the building’s foundation. From there, it often becomes stormwater runoff, flowing across lawns, driveways, and streets. Along the way, runoff picks up pollutants like lawn fertilizer, leftover winter road salt, vehicle leaks, pet waste, and litter. These pollutants are then carried into storm drains that discharge directly into local rivers and streams.
In other cases, rainwater can pool in low spots in your yard and streets, causing standing water or even flooding.
The Benefits of Rain Barrels
Estimates indicate that a quarter-inch of rain falling on an average home roof yields over 200 gallons of water. What if we were able to collect some of that water in a rain barrel?
By capturing water falling on your roof, you can slow it down, store it, and later put it to good use in your garden. This way, rain barrels help reduce the amount of stormwater running off your property. As a result, less pollutants on the landscapes are picked up and brought into waterways. That means cleaner streams, less flooding, and free water to use at home.
How Homeowners Can Use Rain Barrel Water
Even after one rainfall, a rain barrel collects plenty of water to use later. Common ways homeowners use and benefit from harvested rainwater include:
- Watering gardens, container plants, newly planted trees and shrubs, and houseplants
- Washing cars
- Cleaning outdoor furniture or garden tools
Since rainwater does not include chlorine, the collected water is well-suited for watering plants and especially comes in handy during a summer dry spell. You may even notice a decrease in your household water bills when you frequently use rain barrel water for outdoor use.
Are Rain Barrels Worth It? Common Questions
Are rain barrels hard to install?
Rain barrels are straightforward to install and connect to a standard downspout.
1. Choose your spot – Place the barrel under a downspout on a sturdy base like concrete blocks or a stand. Elevating the barrel improves water pressure and makes it easier to fill a watering can.
2. Cut the downspout – Once the barrel is in place, mark and cut the downspout just above the top of the barrel (a hacksaw works well). Save the cut piece to reattach in the winter. You’ll need an additional connector piece to reattach the bottom of the downspout later.
3. Redirect the water – Attach two elbows or a flex-elbow connector to guide water into the top of the barrel. Be sure to match the elbow size (2×3” or 3×4”) to your downspout.
For a step-by-step visual, you can view this installation guide and video.
Do rain barrels attract mosquitoes?
Any standing water is attractive to mosquitoes. Fortunately, you can purchase a rain barrel with a screen to keep debris and insects—including mosquitos—from the water.
Can rain barrels fill up too fast?
Rain barrels can fill up quickly during a heavy rain. It’s recommended to attach a hose to the overflow fitting on the top part of the rain barrel. When the rain barrel fills up, extra water will flow out the hose and keep the water level below the rain barrel screening. Make sure to direct the hose away from your home’s foundation. You can also attach a diverter to the downspout which directs rainwater out the downspout when the barrel is full.
What should I do with a rain barrel in winter?
Rain barrels should be prepped for winter to avoid water freezing, expanding, and cracking your barrel. In the fall, empty the rain barrel, store it in a garage or covered area, and replace the cut off part of the downspout in case it rains. If you’d like to leave the barrel outside, turn it upside-down and weight it down.
Where can I buy a rain barrel?
The Conservation Foundation sells rain barrels year-round through a partnership with Upcycle Products, Inc. These 55-gallon rain barrels are made of recycled food-grade plastic, come in a variety of colors, and can be purchased for pick-up at McDonald Farm in Naperville. Buy a rain barrel online at www.theconservationfoundation.org/rain-barrels. You can also purchase rain barrel accessories, such as a wood pedestal and flex elbow.
Additionally, several local communities host rain barrel events, where rain barrels are pre-ordered and then picked up at a community site (like a village hall or park district). Check your community’s website to see if they have an upcoming rain barrel sale.
