Last updated on October 14th, 2023 at 11:24 am
If you’ve been wondering, “can you collect rainwater?” then you’ve come to the right place. Rainwater harvesting with the use of a rainwater collection barrel is easier than you think.
We’re all looking for sustainable solutions. Reducing our carbon footprint is more important now than ever. And careful and mindful management of natural resources is something we all can do.
So keep reading this guide to find out how harvesting rainwater and using a rainwater collection barrel can help your home or backyard garden become more eco-friendly!
What is Rainwater Harvesting
When you harvest rainwater, you collect, store, and repurpose rainwater that would otherwise drain away and go to waste. The rainwater is easy to collect and is easily used both inside and outside your home.
Rainwater is fantastic and highly valued due to how pure, soft, and natural it is. Rainwater is free from salts, minerals, and manufactured contaminants. Your garden will love you endlessly if you use rainwater.
The best part is you can use rainwater for:
- Watering your garden and lawn (Non potable)
- Watering your indoor plants (Non potable)
- Washing your cars (Potable)
- Bathing your pets (Potable)
- Filling your swimming pool (Potable)
- Use indoors with dishwasher, washer, and toilets (Potable)
You’ll reduce flooding, improve plant growth, and decrease your water bills all at the same time once you begin rain harvesting.
Please see resources for water usage safety.
How to Collect Rainwater
Next, start with collecting rainwater for your garden. Rainwater is excellent for your plants and naturally has a lower pH than tap water, making it ideal for your plant life.
When you start rainwater collection, you need to make sure you have the components you need. The three main features include:
- Roof
- Gutters
- Barrel (Storage Tank)
It would help if you had an area for collecting water, and luckily your roof will serve this purpose perfectly. Any roof of a house, greenhouse, barn, or garage will work.
The next thing you need to consider is the transportation of water from your roof. If you don’t already have gutters and downspouts on the roof you choose, you’ll need to install those next.
You can find many types of inexpensive gutters and downspouts at your local hardware store. A good thing to look for is vinyl gutter guards to keep leaves and debris out and your water clean.
Finally, you’ll need a storage tank or barrel to capture and store your rainwater during the dry months. Some people buy larger rainwater collection tanks, while others can use smaller barrels to meet their needs.
Rainwater Collection Barrels
You can find rainwater collection tanks or barrels online or in your local garden or hardware store. They will average you anywhere from $150 to $200, depending on the type you want to buy.
Rainwater collection tanks typically come in plastic, wood, stone, or clay. Different sizes are available depending on your needs, but a tank that holds 40 to 90 gallons is enough for most average households.
Rainwater Collection Laws
If you live in the US, you can set up your own rainwater harvesting system without legal consequences. There are no federal restrictions on rainwater harvesting whatsoever.
However, some states have regulations on the amount of rainwater you can collect and how you collect it. Most states now have changed their laws in favor of private rainwater harvesting, and many offer rebates and incentives.
Laws are constantly changing, so take the time to check in your state for more information before you get started
Conclusion
Now you know more about rainwater harvesting and where you can find a rainwater collection barrel, you can start working towards your dreams of sustainability today.
Check out the rest of our blog for a more sustainable tomorrow.
