Rain Barrel

Collected runoff can be used for:

• Potted plants
• Lawns
• Gardens

Harvested water is non-potable and should not be used for drinking, swimming pools, fishponds or bird baths.

Placement

Install the barrel at your downspout closest to an area that needs water.

Precautions

• Ensure that overflow doesn’t run into the foundation of your house.
• Empty barrel when another storm approaches (or allow a constant slight trickle flow).
• Secure the barrel so children and animals cannot topple it; secure hose on barrel so children do not drink from it.

Actions when using a rain barrel

• Secure barrel by placing it on a stable, level base (e.g., about 15“ high, to provide a small head of pressure)
• Use mosquito dunks(“donuts”) in barrel to eliminate mosquito breeding; or use mesh screening (or landscape cloth) to cover barrel

Prepare the barrel for winter

• Store barrel upside down, inside or outside, and reattach your downspout.
• Alternatively, open all spigots and hoses, so water will not accumulate, and leave in place over winter.
• Clean barrel annually or semi-annually, as needed:
• Flush with tap water using nozzle on hose. OR
• Use 1/4 cup bleach (or 1 cup vinegar) in 2 gallons of water; rinse well.

Why should I install a rain barrel?

• Easy to install and to use
• Rainwater is great for gardens, houseplants, and many other household chores
• It provides a source of water during droughts and periods of water restrictions
• It reduces stress on the municipal storm and sanitary sewers
• Prevents rain water from becoming pollution that harms our rivers

How much water can be collected from my roof?

• The rain barrel holds 55 gallons of water
• Rule of thumb is that a 1000 square foot roof provides approximately:
  • 600 gallons in a 1” of rain
  • 300 gallons in a ½” of rain
  • 150 gallons in a ¼” of rain
  • A moderate rainstorm is about a 1/8” of rain, so most of the water can be collected in the barrel

Are there applications where I shouldn’t use the rain barrel’s water?

• This water is not potable, and should not be used for human or animal consumption

Where should I put my rain barrel?

• The rain barrel should be on a level, solid surface near a downspout
• A full rain barrel weighs around 400 lbs
• Place pavers, bricks, or cinderblocks below the barrel to raise it and improve water pressure in the hose

Can I use a diverter instead of cutting the downspout?

• Yes, a diverter can be used instead of cutting the downspout

What do I do if I no longer want my rain barrel?

• Bring the rain barrel back to the Alpha Ridge Landfill – leave it at the gazebo and let the County know you’ve left it there

How do I clean my rain barrel?

• You can pressure wash (or use a hose) to rinse out the barrel
• A diluted bleach solution, or soap and water will also work

Should I take down the rain barrel in the winter?

• You can either remove the rain barrel and store it indoors, or turn it upside down for the winter
• If you opt to keep it in place during the winter, leave the bottom spigot open so that water drains out

I have young kids and/or pets. What precautions should I take with my rain barrel to keep everyone safe?

• Select a flat, solid surface so the rain barrel remains stable
• You can tie it down with stakes if there is a chance that a child/pet could topple it
• Make sure kids and pets don’t drink water from the barrel