subject: Rain Barrels For Reduced Water Consumption [print this page] Rain barrels are also referred to as rainwater tanks or water butts. They are used for storing water. They are one of the ways to minimize the effects of drought and water crisis. Even in ancient times when drought and water crisis are not yet as prevalent as they are in these times, collecting rainwater is already a practice. History reveals that rain water has been collected in Thailand as far as 2,000 years ago.
So the next time it rains, rain barrels may be used to store rain water which can be utilized in watering the plants, washing the car and other home chores.
While custom made rain barrels are expensive, low cost design rain barrels are available in the market. They can be recycled food storage and transport barrels or wine aging barrels. To show the relevance of rain barrels, the following are its known advantages;
1.It is environmental friendly.
Some spend huge amount of money just to have water flowing through their homes. With rain barrels, rain water can be stored naturally and for free.
2.Plants grow healthier with natural water.
As compared to treated or chlorinated water, plants grow better with natural water. Rain water is chlorine, lime or calcium free. Rain barrels store natural water which aid in plant growing.
3.Using rain barrels will help conserve water and will, therefore, help minimize water consumption.
This is because it will provide ample supply of free "soft water" ideal for gardens, flower pots, and car and window washing.
Studies show that lawn and garden watering make up to 40% of the total household water consumption during summer. With rain barrels, this percentage will dramatically decrease. Since rain barrels will help save energy and money, household costs will decrease in its entirety.
4.Diverting water from storm drains through rain barrels decreases the impact of runoff to streams.
With the above mentioned advantages of rain barrel, the next question now is where to get them.
As mentioned in the early part of this article, barrels used in food or wine storage may be recycled so as to make them as rain barrels.
But for those who opt to buy rain barrels, there are ready-made rain barrels that can be purchased from individuals or number of companies.
For some who can afford, rain barrels are installed in their houses to collect and store water rains from rooftops through the rain gutters. In this manner, it reduces the use of main water.
