Everyone Could Use a Rain Barrel!

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Image credit: Gilbert Garcia on Flickr 

Did you know that thousands of gallons of water flow off of your rooftop every year? Why allow it to go to waste when you can easily collect this valuable resource with a rainwater collecting barrel? 

Rain barrels are good for your lawn, the environment, and reducing your energy bill. You can re-use the rainwater you collect in your lawn and garden. It is even healthier for your plants than watering them from the tap; rainwater doesn't contain the minerals, fluoride, and other chemicals found in tap water. When you collect rainwater rather than letting it flow to the ground, it has the added benefit of reducing flooding during storms and it prevents storm water from washing fertilizers and other pollutants into creeks and rivers. 

Many modern rain barrels are inexpensive, easy to use, and easily connect to your existing gutters. The City of Columbia is even offering a special discount on two rain barrel models if you order them before June. Alternatively, you can build your own rain barrel using a large trash bin and other hardware supplies.

Here's a list of resources to help you get started with your very own rain barrel:

Image credit: Arlington County on Flickr

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