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Rain Barrels Help Save The Planet

By: George Wonderman

Rain barrels are coming back into popularity. 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.

People decide to store rainwater for different reasons. Use of rainwater is a legal way to save lawns and gardens when watering becomes limited or banned. Others turn to rain barrels to keep their water bills down. 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. Barrel or other large container
3. Screen to block leaves and twigs, etc.
4. Tight fitting lid
5. Spout or outlet hose

If you already have rain gutters on your home you have a head start. You will have to install them if you do not have them.The final requirement, the downspout, is needed to direct the rainwater into the barrel. 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. Solid, fitted covers ensure rain barrels will not be a danger to children. 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. Even when watering bans are not in place, recycling rainwater for the sprinkler, etc. insures more water for consumption. When heavy rains fill the drainage system, it mixes with pollutants 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. Additionally, whether your primary goal or a byproduct, you will contribute to water conservation and environmental safety.

Article Source: http://bytepowered.org/articles

See more on water conservation, read palmettorainbarrels.com.

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