Rain barrels
Reduce the water that runs off your property and save water with a rain barrel.
Did you know that storm water runoff is the leading type of residential non-point source pollution? In our state where water is plentiful it is hard to think about conserving water, but did you know that our summer time water use more than doubles? This use is primarily due to outdoor water use. Install a rain barrel to reduce the amount of runoff from you property and your overall water use.
What is a rain barrel?
Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering. Water collected in a rain barrel would normally flow directly from your roof or via a gutter downspout and become storm water runoff. Depending on your yard, this runoff can travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a storm drainage system.
Rain barrel installation tips
- Level surface
- Safety first! A flat, level surface for placement of your rain barrel is key. A full rain water barrel can weigh in excess of 300 lbs.—you don’t want the rain water barrel to tip.
- Downspout
- Once you position your rain barrel, you will need to remove a section of your gutter downspout to redirect water into your barrel.
- Overflow water
- Make sure the overflow valve or pipe in your rain barrel is positioned or pointed away from your home’s foundation.
- Winter storage
- Empty or drain your rain barrel, remove spigot, drain hose, and drain plug before storing for the winter. When possible store your barrel in a protected/indoor area but if the rain barrel must remain outside turn it upside down and secure it to prevent animal habitation or water accumulation which can freeze, expand, and potentially crack the barrel.
Refer to the following links to learn more about rain barrels:
