Best of the Best

As you are probably aware, our planet’s freshwater supply is shrinking, and the cost of water is increasing. So take advantage of a renewable and free supply of water for use around your home! All you need to do is purchase a rain barrel to collect rainwater that falls on the roof of your home and would otherwise be wasted. Depending on how much water you need and the level of complexity you are looking for, there is a wide range of systems ranging from one rain barrel to multiple rain barrels connecting in series utilizing a pump to move the water.

By installing a rain barrel you will be reducing the strain on your municipal water supply, reducing the amount of pollution and sedimentation in our stormwater systems, as well as lowering your utility bills. The captured rainwater can be used for activities such as gardening (rainwater is actually healthier for plants and soil since there aren’t any added chemicals), washing cars, washing clothes, and other activities. However, the captured rainwater should not be used for drinking water as it has not been treated to potable standards. The roofing material on your home will also be a key factor in determining the contamination level of the water being captured. Once you have begun using your rain barrel, you will quickly see first hand just how much rain can be captured in a short amount of time. Generally it is estimated that for every inch of rain that falls on a 1000 square foot roof, you can capture approximately 600 gallons of water.

Best of the Best:

If you have decided that you want to try your hand at capturing rainwater for reuse, would like a higher-end product and you aren’t sure what type of rain barrel is right for you, this list should give you a better idea of what your options are, and what features to look for. There aren’t an overwhelming number of rain barrel manufacturers out there, but there are enough that you should be able to find one in your nearby area, and one that suits your needs. Some key things to consider when choosing a rain barrel are the capacity, the types of uses you will be needing the water for, what the barrels are made out of (for environmental impact), aesthetics, safety, ability to drain and direct overflow, and durability.