Rain Barrels
When it rains, it pours. Why not take total advantage of the free, nutrient enriched water that mother nature has given us for free? How can I do this you ask? With the use of rain barrels. Rain barrels are becoming more and more common in all parts of the world because of their ability to capture and hold water and allowing you to redistribute rain water easily and effectively to plants and grass.
Did you know that watering your lawn and garden can consume up to 40% of your water usage every month? Collecting rainwater in barrels will not only dramatically decrease your water usage, but you will be supplying your plants with a naturally enriched water. Collect the water today and find uses for it for weeks to come, for free.
How exactly does a rain barrel work? Simply put, a rain water barrel collects and stores rainwater run off from roof tops that can be used at a later time for watering your lawn or garden. Under ordinary conditions, rainwater that hits your roof runs either through your gutter system or falls directly off of your roof and becomes storm water runoff. Often times rain water never even sees a lawn or garden, it is often diverted directly into a storm drain and taken away. Why not take advantage of the rainwater instead of letting it go?
Installing a rain barrel on your property is one way of helping conserve water in your area, and is especially vital if you live in an area that may be seeing drought like conditions or is not known for have large amounts of rainfall each year. Rain barrels are ugly you say! With their popularity increasing, manufacturers are making rainwater barrels in literally all shapes, colors and sizes to fit any surrounding without sticking our like a sore thumb. You can buy rain barrels made of multiple materials also. From wooden rain barrels to plastic rain barrels and even metal ones. The plumbing is easy and can be done without major tools in most cases. There are rain barrel accessories and rain barrel kits that make for a professional set up as well.
Designer rain barrells are not cheap and therefor, not everyone can afford to buy one. There are many ways to make your own rain barrel and there are many sites dedicated to the diy rain barrel crowd. Doing things yourself can definitely save you some money and will work efficiently if done correctly.
Using rainwater wisely and tying your rain barrels in with your rain gardens can conserve so much water every year. Healthy lawns require large amounts of water and by taking the time to plan ahead with your landscapes you can really cut back on the amount of water you use each month to keep a healthy lawn and garden. Running multiple rain barrels in succession with each other can allow one day of rain to last your garden a month or more.
Get involved with your yard, garden and community. When you find a system that works well for conserving and saving water, share your findings with your neighbors and your community. You may be shocked to find out how many people are willing to follow in your foot steps to help conserve water and mother earth. It usually takes one to get the ball rolling, and the rest will follow suit.
Can you take the time to invest in either making your own rain water barrels or purchase one or more? If so please do your part to conserve our drinking and potable water with the use of water barrels.