Rain barrels can provide a valuable water source for dry spells, and may help to reduce your water bill as well. When you use your rain barrel, you'll reduce the amount of storm water runoff that can potentially pollute nearby bodies of water. If you adopt safe rain barrel maintenance habits, your rain barrel can become an important part of your water management plan.
Debris Management
As your rain barrel does its water collection work, you might see some debris cascade into the barrel along with the water. Along with twigs and leaves, you may see gutter screws or dead insects. To keep this unwanted material out of your rain barrel, install a screen that allows water in while holding the debris at bay. The screen also helps to exclude breeding mosquitoes. Remember to clean the screen frequently.
Overflow
Remember that your rain barrel has a finite amount of water storage space. If the barrel is full after a downpour or two, any excess water needs a place to go. To provide more water storage, connect additional barrels to the system. As an alternative, you can install overflow hoses that route excess water away from your home's foundation. This reduces the possibility of flooding from water that pools around the building.
Drinking Water
Although rain barrel water might look clean as it washes into the barrel, remember that the water came from the top of the roof. Because roofs may attract birds, other small animals and insects, the roof is likely to be filled with feathers, animal waste and insect parts. To avoid potential diseases and infections, don't ever drink the water from your rain barrel.
Garden Irrigation
Rain barrel water can safely be used to water nonedible flowers and decorative plants. Rain barrel water can also be used for trickle irrigation on vegetable plants, as this method doesn't potentially contaminate above-ground vegetables. These vegetables will still need to be washed with potable water before consumption. If it's almost harvest time, stay away from the rain barrel water. Don't ever wash your harvested vegetables with rain barrel water.
Warning
Rain barrels can present hazards to children and animals. Because rain barrels are extremely heavy when filled, make sure the barrel is secured to a level hard surface. This minimizes the chance of the barrel tipping over on a toddler.
Your rain barrel cover should be secured against curious toddlers or animals who might climb inside. Find a barrel with a friction fit or clamped cover, or other type of exclusionary cover.
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