The Effect of Using a Rain Barrel on the Environment

11/12/08

Collecting falling water in a barrel or container is not a revolutionary new idea. The concept of a rain barrel and other types of rain catchers has been in use as long as agriculture... 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 rain barrel is a large, specially made container that is designed to catch rainwater. These barrels are placed under your roof's 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.

Environmental Benefits of Using a Rain Barrel

Less storm runoff. While rain is necessary for life, 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.

Less water use. 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. Because of this, there are yearly water shortages in many cities nationwide, with rationing programs and overuse fines. If you collect rainwater, however, you can both keep your grass and garden green, and free up more water for your community.

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. The water that comes from our home's pipes is water that is cleaned and pumped through long pipes to our homes. 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. Other than that, using a rain barrel is perfect for cleaning your Camaro, watering your camillas... and protecting the Earth.

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