Rain barrels‚ simple tools for all‚ testaments of our ability to harvest the gifts of nature‚ offer access to a promise of prosperity‚ a gift of rain falling upon rooftops that we often overlook in a world demanding more and more water․ The barrel or barrels would be positioned under the downspout‚ waiting for the rainfall to do its business of filling them․ The barrel also represents a new awareness to conserve: They represent a developing awareness of a more responsible use of materials‚ a formal dividing line between what we take from nature and what we put back in it․ Rain barrels give us the chance to help the planet grow while benefiting from a product that is free and plentiful․
The Benefits Of Rain Barrels
Other benefits of rainwater harvesting include environmental benefits beyond mere convenience․ For example‚ collecting rainwater helps to reduce the amount of stormwater which enters rivers and lakes as it is washed along with the chemicals and other pollutants that can be in rainwater‚ and can help to reduce flooding and erosion of soil‚ and to improve the native vegetation and animals in a given area․ Being soft water‚ rainwater does not contain the harsh chemicals that are present in city tap water‚ so it is good for watering gardens‚ washing cars and other vehicles‚ or filling ornamental pools and fountains․ In this way‚ the use of rainwater prevents the depletion of limited potable water supplies and helps maintain the quality of the landscape by watering plants with the purest possible water․
Many varieties of rain barrels are offered for various purposes or appearances․ The plastic rain barrel‚ for example‚ is the most commonplace and comes in various colors and sizes․ Additionally‚ it can be adapted to find a place in any garden․ Other decorative models may resemble planters or other outdoor furniture and are used for the same function․ Other decorative models exist to hold larger volumes of water such as rain cisterns which can be used if more space or a greater hold of water is desired․ Each type of barrel can also be outfitted with spigots‚ overflows‚ and filtration systems to ensure that any water collected from them is clean and ready for use․
How To Install Rain Barrels
Rain barrels can be relatively easy to install‚ and most kits include instructions on connecting the barrel to a home downspout system or drain․ A novice gardener can complete the installation․ Once a suitable site for the barrel has been selected‚ it is best done on a level area that can carry the weight of the barrel when full․ The downspout is cut‚ so that water drains from the roof into the barrel‚ and a diverter may be placed in the downspout․ If the barrel is raised sufficiently that it is easy to put a watering can or bucket under the spigot‚ a platform can be put in to further raise the height to improve gravity feed․ It's a quick and easy way for a person to take control of their water consumption and for them to feel good about a green lifestyle․
The cost-saving aspect of rainwater systems makes them particularly attractive․ After rain barrels are purchased and installed‚ the savings from rainwater harvesting can be considerable and often immediately apparent․ On the other hand‚ rainwater harvesting can be a convenient and low-cost way for homeowners to save on municipal water bills and to water gardens and lawns in the dry summer months․ Many municipalities give rebates or tax credits for installations․ Lifetime savings are often equal to or greater than initial cost․ It is a good investment that provides families savings of hundreds of dollars a year and a step toward sustainability․
Rain Barrels Help The Environment
Beyond their water conservation benefits‚ rain barrels help the environment by reducing human dependence on ground water‚ the natural supply of which can be depleted‚ dried up or polluted․ Rain barrels may also prevent a backup in a drainage system and flooding by reducing the amount of water needing to be drained․ Concrete-abundant cities particularly benefit from this․ They can be made more resilient to climate change and‚ through the presence of these self-contained‚ simple barrels‚ can exist as a healthy ecosystem for all plant‚ animal and human life․ These actions have the ability to inspire others to join the climate justice movement by making communities where rainwater harvesting is used better off․
In conclusion‚ rain barrels are not the final answer to the water problems many people face․ Rather‚ rain barrels are a step toward a new model of thinking about our natural resources‚ that they are scarce gifts‚ not infinite commodities to be used and discarded․ At the home level and the networks level‚ the financial gain from a rainwater harvesting system is real․ When we can provide a simple yet effective system we can add financial value to our homes and create a better environment for future generations․ So the next time it rains‚ remember the beauty‚ the power‚ and the responsibility of nature․ Take what nature offers‚ gather the rain drops‚ and learn from the rain‚ so you can change the world‚ one drop at a time․
