Rain Barrels

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Monday, 23 February 2009 02:20

We moved to a new house this year and finally have a yard that has enough plants and bushes that we actually have to water from time to time. Most of our neighbors have the same philosophy that we do about the grass. No one really waters, since the grass will easily grow back after a dry spell. The plants and bushes are another story. We have had an inordinate amount of rain this year. There were also weeks of high temperatures that parched even the most resilient plant. My kids often left their sand buckets outside and they would be full after it rained. I wished I had a bigger version of that, so I could utilize the excessive amounts of water that went unused after those huge rainstorms. It was time for some rain barrels.

I read a shocking statistic once that an estimated 40 percent of household water in the summer months is used to water gardens and lawns. Capturing rain water with a system of rain barrels can decrease the demand on our municipal water supplies significantly. The Maryland Environmental Design Program believes rain barrels could allow a consumer to save about 1,300 gallons of water during peak water usage months. Water is already scarce in many places. It should not be squandered. Rain barrels can also reduce the pressure on municipal sewage systems, which often get overloaded during downpours. Rain water is also free. Harnessing rain water via rain barrels is the cheapest way to water your plants and lawn. Having a stash of water in rain barrels also allows you to water at your leisure, if your city has any water restriction times. Rain water also does not contain chlorine, unlike public water sources.

Utilizing your existing downspouts and gutters, rain barrels offer a place to store the harnessed water for when you need it. You can find all sorts of rain barrels, depending on your budget and needs. There are basic plastic barrels, or a fancy pottery barrels that will dazzle your neighbors. Keep children and pets safe by assuring your rain barrels have secure tops or tops that cannot be opened. If mosquitoes are an issue in your neighborhood, cover your intake with a filter. Make your life easier by buying rain barrels that have a tap at the bottom to attach a hose, as well as an overflow hose.

If you are a homeowner, get some rain barrels. Even if you do not own your home, get your landlord on board and offer to install a barrel yourself. Rain barrels are the easiest way to help your budget and the environment. I am the ultimate recycler and am ashamed it took me so long to get on board.

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