What is a Rain Barrel?

 A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams.

• Usually a rain barrel is composed of a 55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, a screen grate to keep debris and insects out, and other off-the-shelf items.
• A rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under any residential gutter down spout.
• These devices are not only helpful to citizens; who can water gardens and yards in times if little rain, but also lessen the amount of stormwater runoff received by the City's storm drain system. 

Example of a rain barrel

What are the advantages of a rain barrel?

• Collect water for gardening, car washing, or any other activity that can safely use "soft water" free of chlorine, lime, and calcium. 
• Reducing stormwater runoff
• Saves money and energy

How does a rain barrel work?

* All info courtesy of EPA