Save the Rain
How you can put excess water to good use in your garden or landscaping
Rain barrels are containers designed to capture and hold rainwater for later use in gardens and landscaping. Using a rain barrel can lower your water bill, help reduce stormwater runoff and enhance the health of your local environment. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
The Benefits
Out in nature, a large amount of rain is absorbed directly back into the ground, replenishing the soil, and the rest either evaporates or is runoff that ends up in creeks, rivers, lakes or other bodies of water. But that amount drops significantly in more developed areas.
Rain barrels can help prevent stormwater from overwhelming storm sewers and lessen groundwater pollution and flooding during heavy rain events.
“A major benefit is having free water on-site and easy to access, while reducing how much water is running off,” says Laura Matter, a horticulturist for more than 40 years. Based in Seattle, Washington, Laura leads the Natural Yard Care program for Tilth Alliance, a nonprofit working with “farmers, gardeners and eaters to build a sustainable, healthy and equitable food future.”
As rainwater picks up pollutants on roofs and roadways, “excess water in storm drains can be a problem in sewers, which can be connected to surrounding water bodies,” Laura says.
Many cities and government agencies offer incentives for rain barrels (and other rain-harvesting tools) to encourage water conservation. Consult your local city, public utilities and water district websites for the latest on potential rebate programs or restrictions, as some states or counties have specific rules for collecting water.
How to Collect
Rain barrels are typically positioned under a downspout to capture water from your roof. Depending on your climate, roof size and water needs, you may want to gather more water than an average 55-gallon rain barrel can hold.
“That isn’t going to get you through the summer,”
This sleek 50-gallon design made of recycled materials will fit in urban yards and easily connect to other barrels, and is opaque to discourage algae. wayfair.com