Rain Barrels

Rain barrels which are also called rainwater tanks or water butts in the United Kingdom are water tanks that are used for the collection and storage of rain water from rooftops. This rain water often comes from rain gutters that are found on many rooftops. Similar storage containers also known as rainwater tanks are mainly used to collect harvested rain. Rain barrels are sometimes installed to collect water running off from concrete patios and even driveways.

Rain barrels are used in many ways, the most common of which is storing rain water that can be used later on when needed. They can also be used to lessen mains water consumption, which can have significant beneficial effects on the economy as well as the environment. Storing rain water for later use also allows you to be self sufficient, in that you will not be as dependent on the water from your main source to some extent, depending on your particular rate of water consumption.

The stored water from the rain barrels may itself be used for garden irrigation and other agricultural purposes, for household uses such as flushing toilets, washing clothes and cars, and in some cases even for drinking. This is particularly helpful when there is an unavailability of your regular water supply, or if the water in your area is either costly or poor quality. For this reason, rain barrels are often used in dry climates during the rainy season for storing water for later use in the dry season. In any case, water that is collected from rain barrels must still be protected against contamination and filtered if possible.

Some rain barrels can be a bit expensive, but their many uses means that they will pay for themselves in the long run. As an alternative, many homeowners use smaller rain barrels that collect smaller quantities of water. Rain barrels can even be fashioned from food containers that have been recycled, transport barrels, and even barrels used in the production of wine and whiskey. These rain barrels are usually very cheap. It is important to make sure however that these rain barrels are sealed tightly so as to prevent mosquitoes from entering them. Even seemingly protected from mosquito entry, these rain barrels can still contain dangerous mosquito larvae, especially if you do not use a filter.