The autumn season isn’t necessarily known as the rainy season, but it certainly does come with a certain amount of precipitation. And all that rainwater has to go somewhere, so why let it all go to waste when you can collect it with rain barrels and put it to good use!

Investing in a rain barrel or two can not only help you save water, but it can also help with the environment and ecosystem as well. The use of rain barrels allows you to make use of a natural resource that falls on your property. Instead of letting it all run down the street, into the sewer system, then into the ocean, you can use it the way you’d use water from the hose.

There’s nothing new about saving water when it comes to conservation, and it certainly works just as well today as it did long ago.

How Do Rain Barrels Work?

Your eavestroughs outside your home collect rainwater when it rains. They then direct all of that water down the downspout along the side of your home and away from the perimeter of your home. That’s why your eavestroughs are so important – without them, water would pool at the outside of your home and make its way into the basement, causing severe damage.

It’s important for your eavestroughs to be free and clear of any debris, or else they won’t work properly to drain the water away from your home. Your eavestroughs should also be kept in good condition for the same reason.

But if you’re collecting rainwater, you can place the rain barrels at the bottom of the downspouts rather than allowing the rainwater to drain away from your home and into the ground. The barrel – which typically comes with a valve that connects to a hose or fills a watering can – keeps the water stored for future use.

While you can’t drink the water that is collected in rain barrels, it can be used for a number of different purposes, such as watering lawns and flowers, washing the car, washing the windows, and even draining toilets. That said, the jury is still out when it comes to whether or not rainwater can be safely used to water edible plants.

Depending on how large the rain barrel is, you can collect a large amount of water to be used for other purposes. To get a sense of just how much water you can collect, a 1,000-square-foot roof can capture an average of 625 gallons of water for each inch of rainfall.

Not only can you save money in water use, you may even be able to benefit from rebates from your municipality, as long as you meet certain criteria and follow the rules.

Rain barrels are becoming in higher and higher demand, and when used in combination with other water-saving practices – as well as all other environmentally-friendly practices – you can really have a positive impact on the ecosystem. You’ll not only be saving money on your water bill, but you’ll have a minimal impact on the soil around the perimeter of your home too.

Any rainwater that is captured from the roof won’t have a chance to run off your lawn and into the storm drain. Running rainwater is usually filled with pesticides and debris from the street that then makes its way to the ocean.

Save Money and the Environment With a Rain Barrel!

If you’re looking for a way to save some money on your water bill, reduce water waste, and keep the ecosystem safe, a rain barrel might be a great way to go. Consider investing in one for your home!