Rain Barrels for Homeowners

As we enter the hottest months of the year, recent plantings are going to require frequent waterings. One tool that can help reduce water cost and provides ecosystem benefits is a rain barrel. Rain barrels are connected to downspouts to capture the rainwater the lands on rooftops and store 50 gallons or more at a time, depending on the size of the rain barrel. This water can then be used to water plants in your yard, thereby substantially reducing the amount of water purchased from your utility. Rain barrels lower the amount of water flowing onto paved surfaces, which can reduce the amount of polluted stormwater in local waterways. Furthermore, this practice aids in replenishing groundwater while allowing plants to benefit from the rain water over longer periods of time.