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Residential water use increases 40 to 50%
during summer months due to outdoor water use.
Stormwater runoff is the leading type of residential non-point
source pollution.
What is a rain barrel?
 A
rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from rooftops to
use later for lawn and garden watering.
Water collected in
a rain barrel would normally pour off
your roof directly or flow through roof gutter downspouts and become stormwater
runoff.
Depending on your yard, this runoff can
travel onto paved surfaces and eventually
into a storm drain. 54
gallon, green plastic rain barrel with screened cover and outlet
hose. Also comes with overflow hose and linking kit to connect a
set of two.
Why Use Rain Barrels?
- Rain
barrels conserve water and help lower costs (a rain barrel
can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during
peak summer months).
- Rain barrels reduce
water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants
like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria and nutrients.
- Rain barrels are
inexpensive and easy to build and install.
A
rain barrel can be used to save water for plants during
dry periods. Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly
release the
collected rain fall to areas that can soak up the water,
reducing stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater recharge.
Operation
and Maintenance
Rain
barrels should be drained and removed for the winter months
to prevent ice damage. It is recommended that you remove
the existing downspout and elbow intact and store for reinstallation
in the late fall. You can then add another downspout
section that will need to be custom cut to an appropriate
height
above your rain barrel. Two, connected downspout elbows
(forming an S shape) or hinged extension should sit about
two inches above the rain barrel inlet hole. Fine mesh screen
should be used to cover any openings in the rain barrel
to prevent mosquitoes and to trap debris. Rain barrels
can be installed upon blocks or wooden crate to
provide height for gravity flow purposes.
Where to purchase?
Ready-made
rain barrels range from $89 to $135 each depending on
size, style and added features. For local suppliers, inquire
at your local home and garden supply store, garden center,
nursery, or hardware store.
Visit
the Rhode
Island Water Lady website - local supplier of rain
barrels and more.
You
can also do an internet search on rain barrels. Examples
include RainBarrelSource.com
See
some ready-made rain barrels installed at our local
demonstration sites
Learn
how to build your own rain barrel
Information on Cisterns
For additional information
about rain barrels:
The
Center for Watershed Protection
or call (410) 461-8323
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