Eco Friendly Rain Barrels - an Old and Trusted Tradition for Conserving and Reusing Rainwater
Harvesting Rainwater in Rain Barrels is an Old Idea - an Eco Friendly Choice for a Greener Planet
History records the use of clay pots in Thailand for collecting rainwater as far back as 2,000 years ago.
Droughts and dry areas of the United States
Rainwater is thought to be a renewable resource. Underground and overstressed aquifers are providing water in some of the drier, drought areas of the United States and sometimes more water is being drawed out than is being received to recharge the system. Rain barrels can be part of a helpful earth friendly solution. Rainwater that runs off the roof and at times even saturated earth can be conserved in rain barrels and reused. This eco friendly choice becomes water for thirsty lawns and gardens.
A water crisis and the water bill?
Homeowners and renters in some cities are billed monthly for water use. Every gallon of water used in the shower, for cooking and drinking, for watering lawns and gardens is monitored and recorded and each month the consumer is billed for their water usage. Many times that bill is very high.
Buying bottled water?
Some city tap water has a strong smell of chlorine which discourages consumers from using it for drinking. Their only option is to pay even more for water when they have to buy bottled water to drink. Consumers are becoming more aware and educated concerning their water supply and are actively researching the chemicals, pesticides and other disturbing "ingredients" that could be in some tap water. These consumers are paying a lot for water.
50 and 80 gallon rain barrels
Rain barrels can be easily installed by the homeowner and with just a little planning. Heavy rain barrels can be purchased or even inexpensive new plastic trash cans can be put into use for this earth-friendly project. Choose an appropriate location under a downspout. Install a solid 4 foot square level base out of bricks or concrete for the resting barrel. Install a downspout rainwater "fixture" from the hardware store into the rain spout drain. Fit a hose or tube into the barrel to handle overflow a few feet away from the building foundation.
Mosquitoes and other insects?
To discourage mosquitoes and other insects place fine-mesh screen over the openings and add a valve for easy filling of the watering can.
Drinking rainwater?
Survivalists have learned ways to use rainwater for drinking by first boiling or filtering it through complex systems.
Child and pet-proofing the rain barrel is a requisite!
When making plans to set up a rain barrel, one of the most important features will be a locked and safe cover. Keep the rainbarrel "child and pet-proofed" by always keeping the lid or cover safely locked. Safety is the key.
Sources:
Rain Barrel Guide:http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/
http://www.backwoodssurvivalblog.com/2009/03/build-inexpensive-rain-barrel.html
Published by Rue Cooper
Rue Cooper is a free lance writer living in Pennsylvania. She watches a lot of television shows and old comedy movies. She is interested in homeschooling, religions, biography, science, history, world cultu... View profile
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4 Comments
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Not a bad suggestion - I wonder if, in view of the problem of acid rain - a piece of marble shouldn't be kept in the bottom of the barrel?
We used to collect rainwater for the garden but then the threat of mosquitoes breeding scared us off it. Thanks for mentioning the screens - we'll have to try that :) cheers!
NOT A GUEST - Great article that everyone should read. As a child, our family of 5 existed with one x 1000 gallon tank for everything. We drank the rain water and never had any ill effects from it. Water has now become a valuable resource and anything we do to conserve it is worthwhile.