Eight Amazing Benefits of Having a Rain Barrel

A rain barrel is a large container attached to a downspout to collect rainwater draining from a roof to be used later, while helping the Earth.

Collected rainwater can be used to water gardens and makes plants and lawns more drought-tolerant, healthier, and more resilient in surviving tough climates. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can build up in the soil, and harm sensitive plants.
With summer temperatures ever rising and rain becoming scarce during these, having free water on hand is essential. Collecting rainwater provides needed moisture for gardens during dry periods.
Rain barrels help conserve water because it can be used for other things besides garden needs. Even though it’s not potable, rainwater is useful for all kinds of tasks, like washing the car, patio furniture, windows, or the family dog.
Rainwater can easily be added to compost to keep the material moist and to keep it generating.
According to the U.S. EPA, garden and lawn watering accounts for approximately 40 percent of the average home-owners water use during the warm-weather months. Using collected rainwater will save a home-owner hundreds of dollars in water and sewer bills.
Rain barrels reduce storm runoff. Runoff is a huge problem in urban and suburban areas, polluting waterways with fertilizers and pesticide. Runoff also gathers leaves as it flows, causing storm drain blockages and floods. Reducing runoff helps keep streams clear, and the plants and animals that rely on them healthy.
Rain barrels slow down the flow of gutter runoff helping to reduce soil erosion. Erosion can damage home foundation, as well as remove the nutrient-rich topsoil from gardens. Collecting runoff from the roof preserves topsoil for plants and prevents further damage to landscaping.
With a rain barrel and an abundant supply of rainwater, homeowners can depend more on themselves, and less on the public water utility company.