More and more people are returning to the use of rain barrels. With water shortages becoming more commonplace over large areas of the country and the importance of water conservation in general being raised in social consciousness, it seems a natural solution.

The drivers that make people choose to collect rainwater vary. 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. Other than drinking and cooking, water from rain barrels or cisterns can fill a multitude of needs.

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.Large collection container 3.Debris screen 4. Solid lid 5. Spout or outlet hose

Your existing rain gutters will take care of the first item needed. You will have to install them if you do not have them. A downspout will divert the rainwater into the waiting container. 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. Recycling rainwater rather than using potable supplies for watering lawns and plants reduces the stress on water supplies to municipalities. When heavy rains fill the drainage system, it mixes with polutants and carries them off into the natural waterways. By harvesting rainwater to water gardens and lawns, it allows the water to drain through the rock beds and naturally reenter the water system in a purified state.

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.