Rain Barrels & Water Harvesting
Rain barrels were a common sight on farms throughout rural America in the days before electric pumps and indoor plumbing. Collecting rainwater had several advantages. It is softer than the mineral infused water pumped out of the ground, and was readily available. Just a few barrels placed below the eves could collect hundreds of gallons of water during a typical rain. Enough water to meet the daily needs of the average family, and maybe a little left over the water the garden.
After a long period of decline rain barrels are once again becoming popular, especially among environmentally conscious citizens. Rain barrels are being installed to harvest rainwater and reduce demand on municipal water systems. Rainwater stored in rain barrels, tanks and cisterns can be used for flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering gardens, and washing cars.
The cost of maintaining safe, reliable public water systems is increasing every year. This cost is being passed along to the consumer in the form of higher water bills. Using a rain barrel to harvest rainwater is one way to reduce the size of you water bill and your environmental footprint. Getting started with rain harveting is remarkable easy. You can build your own rain barrel or purchase one of the varieties of pre-manufactured rain barrels on the market.
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60 Gallon Rain BarrelThis innovative rain barrel is made from reused olive containers. Features brass spigots, overflow valves and secondary on/off hose connections. Available from Cleanairgardening.com. |
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80 Gallon Rainsaver Rain BarrelNorth America’s largest rain barrel. Features lightweight, two-piece design that fits snuggly against exterior walls. Available from Rainsaverusa.com. |
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80 Gallon RainbarrelUSA Rain BarrelSturdy high-capacity rain barrel. Features stainless steel entry cover, aluminum screen and brass fittings. Available from RainbarrelUSA.com. |
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Octagonal Rain BarrelUnique octagonal rain barrel. Features stackable design that doubles capacity in same footprint. Available from Cleanairgardening.com. |
Rain Barrel Retailers
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