Collecting rain water is not a new concept but it is a economical and environmental one that you may want to consider. If you live in a drought stricken area or are looking to save some money on those ever increasing water bills. Or you have seen how precious water can really be and would like to try and conserve it. Perhaps when the snow thaws or the temperatures start to rise and spring rains are in the air you will want to consider collecting rainwater.

Why collect rain water?

During the hot summer months when you see your lawn sprinklers turn on most of that water is coming in from your main water connection to the house. But, as much as 45% of the water you will use all summer will go to just watering your lawn, shrubs, and flowers. Why not save some money and reduce your water usage by collecting the rain water.

Water pours from the sky and then just washes away down the nearest storm drain to be collected and pooled somewhere else. If you set aside a single rain barrel on the side of your house you can save as much as 1300 gallons of water during the water consumption peak summer months. That’s a whole lot of water that you can save and not have to pay for again for the return of very little work. Plus another advantage to saving this rain water is that much less will end up n the local sewer treatment plant. While helping to keep rivers and lakes that much nicer to visit on your next vacation. Since the rain water has already been through a complete natural filter its even soft enough to wash your car will no ill effects or even have a glass yourself.

How do you start Collecting rain Water?

You don’t need any special skills and you can accomplish it yourself in an afternoon. Ideally if you are ever in Tennessee you can get a Jack Daniels whiskey barrel they come pretty cheap to use. If not you can use a large food quality barrel or even a very large rubber maid garbage can with a lid. At the top of the barrel you will need to make a hole about the size of your outside gutter connector and a also one howl near the bottom where you want to put a spigot for the tap. Really that is it below I have a video for you to take a look at on creating one these guys to a great job of explaining.

If you would just like some regular internet plans I would first check out your local water district website they will usually provide instructions free of charge. Of course if you are not into making your own barrel you can also purchase one at many different locations. You can go to Google and look up water treatment systems or rain catchers there are many different types of styles and options.

So no matter what you decide to do about your rain barrel it will in the end do three things. Save you a ton on money, save the environment, and in emergencies you will have a second source of water where most people would not.