Most residential rain barrels are large containers (at least 40 to 50 gallons) of some fashion. Drilled and fitted with uncomplicated, inexpensive parts, a rain barrel captures the water that falls on your home’s roof and runs through the downspout. It’s a primitive concept with a big modern impact:
• Save on your water bill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lawn and garden water use accounts for almost 40 percent of household water consumption during the summer months. Using rainwater can only reduce your water bill.
• Conserve natural resources. The EPA estimates that the average homeowner in the mid-Atlantic region can conserve 1,300 gallons of water during summer months. No matter where you are, it’s a savings of money and water that anyone can appreciate.
• Reduce soil erosion and water runoff problems. Heavy rains create problems in many areas due to erosion along the banks of waterways, storm drain and sewer overloads, and property flooding, among other problems. Using rain barrels can help reduce these problems.

Choosing a Rain Barrel
Don’t even think of setting an open barrel, previously filled with who-knows-what – under your eaves and calling it a rain barrel. It will gather water, no doubt about that. But it will attract animals and pests and breed mosquitoes on its way to becoming a green, murky swamp.
When it comes to selecting your rain barrel, most of it comes down to personal preference. Before settling on any particular rain barrel, consider your options. Rain barrels come in a variety of materials, styles and even decorative options. You’ll find them at home improvement and garden supply stores as well as online retailers. Your local government may even offer rain barrels for a bargain price as part of a local water and resource conservation program.
While looking at rain barrels, consider characteristics such as the barrel’s shape and how it will fit in with your property. Do you want something cute or something that will blend into the surroundings? What size rain barrel do you want? You can even hook a series of barrels together to capture more water. The EPA offers more information on calculating how much water your roof sheds during rainfall.

• Plastic – These are popular because they’re inexpensive, lightweight and come in a variety of shapes and colors, but plastic rain barrels have a drawback. The sun and weather deteriorates plastic quicker than other materials. They are also more vulnerable to tipping over than heavier containers. Look for thicker plastic and plan to install it with care to avoid conditions where it will tip easily. Try recycled plastic barrels to choose an environmentally friendly model.
• Clay, Ceramic or Stone – If you want a classy, natural-looking rain barrel, try clay, ceramic or stone. It’s a great addition to a landscaping design, and while it’s a little difficult to dismantle, clean and store during winter, the added weight provides stability.
• Wood – Want a rustic, homey looking rain barrel? Try a wooden rain barrel. Heavier than plastic (although lighter than clay, ceramic or stone), wood is durable and avoids the chemical content of plastics. Wood rain barrels often use hardwoods like oak, hickory and beech.
• Galvanized Metal – Metal containers are more permanent and often larger than some of the other choices. Metal barrels usually contain flexible membrane liners while other rain barrels don’t.
During your rain barrel selection, keep in mind that light colors absorb less heat, which helps prevent algae.

Installing Your Rain Barrel
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance. There’s a little more to the process than putting it together, plopping it down outside and calling it ready to go.
• Select a spot.Walk around your home’s exterior looking for a suitable rain barrel location. Consider the amount of area you have to hold the rain barrel and the shape of the ground at that location. The more stable the ground or pathway the better. While you can create a hard base with concrete blocks, a wooden platform, bricks, or similar material, if the ground itself slopes, you have to level it before you install your rain barrel.
• Consider your roofing material. If you collect rainwater from a copper roof, a roof with zinc strips to inhibit algae and moss growth, or any roofing material chemically treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) or similar chemicals, the water may contain chemicals. Never use this water on edible plants. To find out what chemicals may lurk in your rainwater, consider having it tested.
• Create a sturdy base. If you have a patch of concrete or ground that is both hard-packed and level, you can sit the rain barrel flat on the ground. Ideally, however, the rain barrel should sit on a raised – but level and sturdy – base at least 12 inches above the ground. This makes it much easier to drain water as you use it, since gravity will create water pressure. Make sure the base can support well over 500 pounds; water weighs approximately 10 pounds per gallon. Use solid material for strength.
• Place the rain barrel. Turn the spigot or water outlet away from the house. Attach a long hose, of at least 10 feet in length, to the overflow outlet and trail it away from your house.
• Attach the downspout. Choose from a variety of connection styles depending on your situation. Some homeowners cut the trough short and allow it to flow into the barrel, while others install a diverter. The diverter is similar to a small chute coming off the downspout. If you choose to shorten your downspout, you will need to extend it again when you winterize your rain barrels.
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Using Your Rain Barrel
Follow a few simple usage tips to keep your rain barrel flowing smoothly.
• Install screen over the water barrel inlet to discourage mosquitoes and other insects. Alternatively, use a squirt of dish soap (which won’t harm plants or soil) or a few drops of cooking oil. A combination of screen and soap is particularly effective.
• Add bleach if algae becomes an issue. A dash of bleach – about a cap full – is enough to combat algae. If the problem is bad, drain the water and wash the barrel with bleach before reusing.
• Drain water regularly to help avoid algae and insect problems.
• Keep an eye on the water level during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Inspect and clean your rain barrel as part of a yearly schedule.
Once your rain barrel system is up and running, you’ll probably be surprised at just how convenient and painless it is.