Rain Barrels Can Help Save the World
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by: georgewonderman
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We moved to a new house this year and finally have a yard that has enough plants and bushes that we actually have to water from time to time. Most of our neighbors have the same philosophy that we do about the grass. No one really waters, since the grass will easily grow back after a dry spell. The plants and bushes are another story. The rainfall in our area has been above normal this year. In between those really wet weeks, though, there were really hot weeks. Every time I would turn on the hose outside, I felt guilty that I had not collected some rain from the downpours. I realized that rain barrels were the answer.
I read that watering gardens and lawns consumes a surprising 40 percent of the household water supply during the summer. 40 PERCENT! If every home owner utilized rain barrels for lawn care, it would conserve enormous amounts of clean water. The Maryland Environmental Design Program believes rain barrels could allow a consumer to save about 1,300 gallons of water during peak water usage months. Clean water is one of our precious resources. It should be used wisely. City sewer infrastructures are more frequently overflowing during downpours, due to population increases. Rain barrels can decrease the demand on those systems. Rain water is also free. The most inexpensive way to keep your yard green is by using rain barrels to capture rain water. If your town has certain times when you are allowed to water, your own supply in rain barrels gives you the option to water anytime you please. Rain water also does not contain chlorine, unlike public water sources.
Rain barrels attach to your gutters and downspouts and store the water for future use. Rain barrels come in all shapes and sizes with a wide price range. There are basic plastic barrels, or a fancy pottery barrels that will dazzle your neighbors. Keep children and pets safe by assuring your rain barrels have secure tops or tops that cannot be opened. Many barrel intakes can be fitted with a filter to help keep mosquitoes at bay. Make your life easier by buying rain barrels that have a tap at the bottom to attach a hose, as well as an overflow hose.
Everyone should be utilizing rain barrels. Even if you do not own your home, get your landlord on board and offer to install a barrel yourself. Rain barrels are the easiest way to help your budget and the environment. I am embarrassed that my environmentally conscious household waited so long to do it. See More Connect rain barrels | How you make a rain barrel | Homemade rain barrel |
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