Rain Barrels
What is a Rain Barrel?
To the average homeowner, a rain barrel is merely a simple and inexpensive way to catch and store rainwater as it flows from a building's roof into the gutters and downspouts. This stored water then becomes a great alternative to tap/city water and can be used during periods of dry or drought to water gardens, trees, and other plants. This is FREE WATER and obviously the homeowner saves money.
PURCHASE A RAIN BARREL
Rain Barrel Available from Metro Water Services
To encourage the use of rain barrels to store and redirect stormwater, Metro Water Services and Metro Beautification offer the System rain barrel for $50.00 for purchase at:
The Omohundro Convenience Center
1019 Omohundro Place (entrance on Freightliner Drive), Nashville, TN 37210 Map
615/880-1955
Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 8:00am-4:30pm
Cash or check only ~ All sales are final
Rain Barrel Available from Cumberland River Compact. More Information
MAKE YOUR OWN RAIN BARREL
How To Make Your Own Rain Barrel A simple and inexpensive way to catch and store rainwater that can later be used to water your lawns and gardens during dry periods.
ABOUR RAIN BARRELS
Why is a Rain Barrel good for the Environment?
Water coming from your tap has been treated at the treatment plant in order to make it suitable for drinking. This process requires large amounts of energy; therefore using rainwater instead of treated tap/city water for irrigating plants saves energy. Second, stormwater falling on an impervious area such as pavement, concrete, or a rooftop generally drains straight to a storm drain, ditch, or directly into a creek instead of soaking into the ground. As these impervious areas drain; the stormwater carries whatever pollutants (herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, dog waste, etc.) it picks up along the way and deposits them into our streams. Impervious areas also mean that water that would have otherwise been absorbed into the ground and gradually seeped back into our streams over a period of days, now flows straight through our stream system in the course of hours, many times causing flooding. This accelerated draining process not only increases flooding but it also leaves our streams lower and drier for longer periods of time. Therefore, if we catch stormwater in a barrel and later release this water back into the ground when watering our gardens and trees, we're both decreasing the flooding that rain event would have otherwise caused and helping to replenish the ground water and the streams during that period of dry when the streams need it most.
Why is a Rain Barrel good for your plants?
Rain is naturally soft water and devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. For this reason, Plants respond very well to rainwater.
How much water can you collect? For every inch of rainfall that falls on a catchment area of 1,000 sq. ft. you can expect to collect approximately 600 gallons of rain water. Your roof catchment area is equal to the total square feet of your house (one story) plus the extension of your eaves. To calculate the square footage of your home's catchment area, measure the outside walls of your home, including the overhang of any eaves. Multiply the width times the length of your home to get the total roof catchment area. Let's say your home has a roof catchment area of 2,000 sq. feet. Since one inch of
rainfall provides approximately 600 gallons of water for a 1,000 sq. ft catchment area, you could collect 1200 gallons during a 1” rain. More Information
Installation of a Rain Barrel
- Position the rain barrel (with blocks under it) adjacent to a downspout and remove enough of the downspout (with a hacksaw) so that there is ample room to attach a 45 degree elbow still allowing the rain barrel to easily fit underneath with approximately 2" of clearance.
- Your rain barrel must be secured on a raised, level surface (like concrete blocks). A full 55 gallon rain barrel weighs over 400 Ibs. and tipping is a risk if it is unsecured or on uneven ground.
- Divert your overflow to a safe discharge location away from your homes foundation.
- The barrel must have a lid and a fine mesh screen covering any openings to prevent mosquitoes and debris from getting inside.
- Do not use moss control or other chemicals on your roof that are not garden safe.
- NEVER use water from the rain barrel for drinking, cooking or other potable uses.
Maintenance
- Periodically brush the screen to prevent accumulation of debris.
Winterizing
- Discontinue use of your rain barrel before the first frost.
- Empty the rain barrel completely.
- Clean the rain barrel with mild dishwashing liquid.
- Store the rain barrel upside down to prevent water from collecting in it.
Questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email Sonia Harvat.