Rain Barrels Help Conserve Water
More and more people are returning to the use of rain barrels. The most likely reasons for this are drought situations occurring in many parts of the country as well as an increasing awareness of the need for water conservation in general.
People decide to store rainwater for different reasons. Use of rainwater is a legal way to save lawns and gardens when watering becomes limited or banned. Some may decide to set up rain barrels to reduce costs related to metered water fees. Water routed from rain barrels and cisterns can be used, not only for watering plants and grass, but for washing, bathing and mostly any water use other than consumption or cooking.
Many people concerned with conservation and maintaining green lifestyles use rain barrels with water conservation as their primary goal.
Setting up rain barrels can be as simple or elaborate as your pocketbook allows. Regardless of the source of your barrel, you will need the following basics:
1. Rain gutter with a downspout
2.
Barrel or other large container
3. Debris screen
4.
Solid lid
5. Distribution device
If you already have rain gutters on your home you have a head start. If not, installing them will be an important first step.The final requirement, the downspout, is needed to direct the rainwater into the barrel. Materials commonly used for rain barrels are plastic or wood, and although they can be purchased new, recycled barrels are available. If a recycled barrel is used, make sure you know what the barrel has stored in the past to avoid tainting the water with harmful residues. Childproof your rain barrels with tight fitting lids. Rain barrels need a distribution outlet in the form of a spout with a valve or a piece of hose. A benefit of harvesting rainwater is that it has no chlorine or other chemicals which makes it healthy for plants. Even when watering bans are not in place, recycling rainwater for the sprinkler, etc. insures more water for consumption. Also, when rain fills the drains and gutters, it mixes with wastewater and runs off into rivers and streams. Natural drainage through the soil and rock bed purifies the water before it reenters the ecosystem.
On a personal level, using rain barrels to collect and store rainwater helps your wallet as well as your plants. It is also good for the environment by reducing consumption and improving the quality of our natural water supplies.
January 8th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
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January 9th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
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January 10th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
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January 11th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
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January 12th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
This will make you less dependent on the supply that you receive from your water company. The savings that you will realize from this reduced mains water consumption can really add up to quite a lot of money in the long run. In addition, rain barrels will also help prevent any water damage to your home that may result from excess water seeping into the ground around your property.
The water that you do collect in your rain barrels can be used in a wide array of tasks such as washing cars and lawn furniture, watering your plants, cleaning gardening tools, bathing pets, and so much more.
Even fairly large rain barrels can be filled up quite quickly by a good strong rain.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Because of this, there are yearly water shortages in many cities nationwide, with rationing programs and overuse fines. By catching rainwater, however, you can relive some of the burden on your city’s water supply, as well as keep your garden and yard healthy and watered year round.
Reduced power usage. We hear more and more about how important it is to reduce our energy usage to protect the environment. However, many people do not think of using power when they use the city’s water.