Rainwater harvesting: Rain Barrel DIY

Step 10: Wrap-up

Rain barrels are a great way to reclaim an otherwise lost resource. This barrel can be fabricated for around $50, and will last for years. We have had a lot of luck with these barrels. I have made barrels for friends and family. We have found that we can capture and reuse multiple hundreds of gallons of rain water during a typical summer season. That means less runoff into local streams and rivers, less water around the foundation, lower water bills, and the right type of water for the right purpose. While rain water is not suitable for drinking, there's no reason to use treated municipal water on flowers and plants if rain water is readily at hand. Rain water is fine for toilet tanks and other gray water uses. 

One note for those who live in cold winter climates: Remove the barrel from the downspout when chance of freezing exists. Water expands 9-10% when it changes to ice, so it will ruin a perfectly good rain barrel if it gets a chance. Be sure to empty the barrel and put it away, out of the sun, during freezing seasons. 

Comments

[jerhpk]

Great 'ible. Also, remember to check your local code on rain barrels. Previous city I lived in had a law that stated the rain barrel must be disconnected during winter months, and drained completely. Plus, rain barrels were not allowed to be visible from the street. (Since I lived on a corner, this was difficult.) The exception was detached garages - there was no ordinance covering these units, so they could be left in place year round.

My question on the previous model you referenced with the flexible hose: did the water ever run fast enough to dribble over the lip of the top of the barrel?  With the concern locally over West Nile, I'm wondering if the water will pool and puddle (even splashover) or if it all drains in.

[GeeDeeKay]

Thanks for the comment. I haven't heard of local ordinances regarding rain barrels, so that's interesting information. I did mention removing rain barrels during winter months, to keep them from getting damaged by freezing weather.

What did you mean about detached garages and leaving them in place year round, I'm not sure what the "they" referred to in your statement. Is sounds like the garages could be left in place, which makes sense to me... ;^)

I have never had a problem with water overtopping the barrel, even during really heavy storms. It is important to clean the screen from time to time to keep it clear of debris, but with a 3" opening there is plenty of room for the water to enter. Interesting point about mosquitoes; I do find that the top pools a little bit, so I drill 2-3 small weep holes through the top on the low side, to allow those pools to drain.

The screen on top keeps adult mosquitoes out of the barrel and prevent egg laying. It also keep adults in that happen to wash in as larvae and mature inside the barrel. The concern is exposed standing water for mosquitoes to reproduce, so no exposed pools means no habitat for larvae to mature.