Rainwater harvesting is the collection of rainwater for reuse on a site. It is a sustainable way to conserve water and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as watering plants, washing cars, and flushing toilets.
There are many different ways to collect rainwater, but one of the most popular methods is to use a rain barrel. Rain barrels are typically made of plastic or metal and have a capacity of 50 to 100 gallons. They are installed under a downspout and collect rainwater as it runs off the roof.
While rainwater harvesting is a great way to save water, it is important to check your local laws before installing a rain barrel. Some states and municipalities have restrictions on rainwater harvesting, so it is important to know what is allowed in your area.
Here are a few legalities of rainwater harvesting in the United States:
- The federal government does not have any laws or regulations governing rainwater harvesting.
- Most states allow rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses, such as watering plants and washing cars.
- Some states allow rainwater harvesting for potable uses, such as drinking and cooking.
- There are a few states that have restrictions on rainwater harvesting, such as requiring a permit or limiting the amount of water that can be collected.
If you are interested in collecting rainwater, I recommend checking with your local government to find out what the laws are in your area.
Here are the top 10 rain barrels:
- Rain Catcher 50 Gal. Brown RC 4000 Rain Barrel: Designed to mimic a traditional wooden barrel the Rain Catcher line of rain barrels have many modern features not found in a basic barrel. The overflow connection at the back of the barrel allows excess water to flow down and underneath the barrel to direct it away from foundations
- Rain Wizard Eco 50 Gal: This Particular Rain Barrel is made with 100% recycled material and features an attractive faux oak barrel design so it naturally fits in with your home and landscape.It has a spigot, a screen, and a downspout diverter.
- 55 Gal. Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot: The FreeGarden RAIN collection system is designed specifically in high density polyethylene making it easy to keep clean and looking brand new year after year. It comes complete with a powder coated steel screen, all brass standard size spigot, extension hose and child lock screws.
- RTS ECO Rain Barrel: This rain barrel is made from recycled plastic and is BPA-free. It has a capacity of 50 gallons and comes with a spigot and screen.
- VEVOR Collapsible 53 Gallon Rain Barrel: It is made from high-quality PVC material and has a capacity of 53 gallons. The barrel is collapsible for easy storage when not in use. It comes with a spigot and screen, and it has a built-in overflow valve to prevent overflow.
When choosing a rain barrel, it is important to consider the size of your roof, the amount of rainfall in your area, and the purpose for which you will be using the water. If you have a large roof and a lot of rainfall, you may need a larger rain barrel. If you will be using the water for watering plants, you may not need a rain barrel as large as if you will be using it for flushing toilets.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a rain barrel:
- The material: Rain barrels are typically made of plastic or metal. Plastic rain barrels are more affordable, but they can be more susceptible to damage from the sun and elements. Metal rain barrels are more durable, but they can be more expensive.
- The design: Some rain barrels have a spigot on the bottom, while others have a spigot on the side. Some rain barrels have a downspout diverter, while others do not.
- The features: Some rain barrels have features such as a built-in timer, a screen to prevent debris from entering the barrel, or a spigot that can be locked.
Once you have chosen a rain barrel, you will need to install it. The installation process will vary depending on the type of rain barrel you have chosen and the location of your downspout.
Here are some general instructions for installing a rain barrel:
- Choose a location for the rain barrel that is close to your downspout.
- If your downspout is made of metal, you will need to install a downspout diverter.
- Place the rain barrel under the downspout diverter.
- Connect the downspout diverter to the rain barrel using a hose.
- Attach the spigot to the rain barrel.
- If the rain barrel has a screen, attach it to the rain barrel.
Once the rain barrel is installed, you can start collecting rainwater!
Here are some tips for using a rain barrel:
- Only collect rainwater from the first few inches of rainfall. This will help to prevent sediment and debris from entering the barrel.
- Empty the rain barrel regularly. This will help to prevent algae and mosquitoes from growing in the water.
- Use the water from the rain barrel for non-potable purposes only. This means that you should not use the water for drinking, cooking, or bathing.
- For a complete List of locales and regulations, check out the United States Department of Energy website.
Rainwater harvesting is a great way to save water and conserve natural resources. By following these tips, you can ensure that your rain barrel is a safe and effective way to collect rainwater.