We moved to a new house this year and finally have a yard that has enough plants and bushes that we actually have to water from time to time. Most of our neighbors have the same philosophy that we do about the grass. No one really waters, since the grass will easily grow back after a dry spell. The bushes and other plants, however, do require some attention. A dry spell can do them in. The rainfall in our area has been above normal this year. There were also weeks of high temperatures that parched even the most resilient plant. My kids often left their sand buckets outside and they would be full after it rained. I wished I had a bigger version of that, so I could utilize the excessive amounts of water that went unused after those huge rainstorms. I realized that rain barrels were the answer.



I read that watering gardens and lawns consumes a surprising 40 percent of the household water supply during the summer. 40 PERCENT! Capturing rain water with a system of rain barrels can decrease the demand on our municipal water supplies significantly. The state of Maryland estimates that a homeowner could save 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months by utilizing rain barrels. Water is already scarce in many places. It should not be squandered. Rain barrels can also reduce the pressure on municipal sewage systems, which often get overloaded during downpours. In a world where almost nothing is free anymore, rain water is one of the exceptions. Harnessing rain water via rain barrels is the cheapest way to water your plants and lawn. Having a stash of water in rain barrels also allows you to water at your leisure, if your city has any water restriction times. Rain water also does not contain chlorine, unlike public water sources.

Rain barrels attach to your gutters and downspouts and store the water for future use. Rain barrels come in all shapes and sizes with a wide price range. There are basic plastic barrels, or a fancy pottery barrels that will dazzle your neighbors. I recommend child proofing your rain barrels, which means making sure all barrels have a secure top or are too narrow for a child to get inside. If mosquitoes are an issue in your neighborhood, cover your intake with a filter. Make your life easier by buying rain barrels that have a tap at the bottom to attach a hose, as well as an overflow hose.

If you are a homeowner, get some rain barrels. Even if you do not own your home, get your landlord on board and offer to install a barrel yourself. Rain barrels are the easiest way to help your budget and the environment. I am the ultimate recycler and am ashamed it took me so long to get on board.