Catching rainwater as it falls is an age old idea. In fact, the idea of the rain barrel has been around for just as long as irrigation has... which is thousands of years. In the last century or so, however, households have increasingly relied on municipal water systems. Unfortunately, using falling rainwater is no longer widely done.
Every household with a budget to follow (and some concern for the environment) cares about preserving water. But most households do not realize the benefits they could receive from using a rain barrel. A bulky, specially designed container, a rain barrel simply collects rainwater. These barrels are placed under your roofs drain downspout. When rain falls on the roof of your home, it is swept into your roofs gutters and out through its downspout. This allows you to collect large amounts of rain water as it falls.
Ecological Benefits of a Rain Barres
Less storm runoff. Did you know that, though rain is good for an ecosystem, it can be bad for the environment? When rain falls, it flows through our city streets before being carried to creeks and rivers. As it flows, it collects chemicals, toxins, and other wastes. Routing some rainwater away from natural drainage reduces some of the tainted water that fouls up our rivers.
Improved water efficiency. The greatest benefit you will see from utilizing a rain barrel is, of course, water usage. During the summer season a homeowner can spend as much as 40 percent of his or her monthly water bill on watering a lawn. As a result of water shortages, many communities are experiencing water supply problems, forcing water rationing. By catching rainwater, however, you can relive some of the burden on your citys water supply, as well as keep your garden and yard healthy and watered year round.
Reduced energy 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 citys water. When we use water directly from our pipes, that water must be cleaned, filtered, and pumped all the way to us. In that process, a ton of energy is used, which in turn hurts the environment.
With the use of a rain barrel, you can recycle rainwater to save thousands of gallons of water and create a ready made source of water for your plants, lawn, or day to day jobs. Pretty much the only thing you cannot do with collected rainwater is drink it. Otherwise, rain barrel water is great for washing your car, watering your garden... and doing your part to protect the environment.