Rain Barrels

11/22/08

We lived in a row house in the city for years and years and did not have a big enough yard to even worry about watering when the weather was hot and dry. We recently moved to a house with a bigger yard that requires more maintenance and attention. My husband is adamant about not watering the grass in our yard, even when we hit a hot and dry patch with the weather. Luckily, the majority of our neighbors have the same opinion. The plants and bushes are another story. We have had an inordinate amount of rain this year. In between those really wet weeks, though, there were really hot weeks. Every time I would turn on the hose outside, I felt guilty that I had not collected some rain from the downpours. I realized that rain barrels were the answer.

I read that watering gardens and lawns consumes a surprising 40 percent of the household water supply during the summer. 40 PERCENT! Capturing rain water with a system of rain barrels can decrease the demand on our municipal water supplies significantly. The state of Maryland estimates that a homeowner could save 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months by utilizing rain barrels. Clean water is one of our precious resources. It should be used wisely. Rain barrels can also reduce the pressure on municipal sewage systems, which often get overloaded during downpours. In a world where almost nothing is free anymore, rain water is one of the exceptions. The most inexpensive way to keep your yard green is by using rain barrels to capture rain water. Having a stash of water in rain barrels also allows you to water at your leisure, if your city has any water restriction times. Municipal water contains chlorine, which is not so good for our soil or environment. Rain water is chlorine free.

Utilizing your existing downspouts and gutters, rain barrels offer a place to store the harnessed water for when you need it. Rain barrels come in all shapes and sizes with a wide price range. There are basic plastic barrels, or a fancy pottery barrels that will dazzle your neighbors. Keep children and pets safe by assuring your rain barrels have secure tops or tops that cannot be opened. If mosquitoes are an issue in your neighborhood, cover your intake with a filter. Rain barrels with overflow hoses and a spout are also very handy.

If you are a homeowner, get some rain barrels. If you rent, ask your landlord about installing one or two. They are so easy to install and use, I cannot imagine you would be turned down. Rain barrels are the easiest way to help your budget and the environment. I am embarrassed that my environmentally conscious household waited so long to do it.

References