When it Rains, it Pours

There are many advantages to keeping rain barrels at your home. We are going to explore some advantages and also be honest about some disadvantages, here are some of the most important ones:

Save money on water bills. Rainwater is free, so using it to water your plants and garden can save you a significant amount of money on your water bill. The average homeowner can save up to 1,300 gallons of water per year by using a rain barrel.

Reduce stormwater runoff and pollution. Rain barrels help to reduce stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants and sediment into rivers, streams, and lakes. This can help to improve water quality and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Reduce erosion. Rain barrels can also help to reduce erosion by slowing down the flow of water from roofs and gutters. This can help to protect your home’s foundation and landscaping.
Provide water during droughts. Rain barrels can provide a valuable source of water during droughts, when municipal water supplies may be limited.

Improve the health of your plants. Rainwater is soft water, which means it doesn’t contain as many minerals as tap water. This can be beneficial for plants, as it can help to prevent mineral buildup and root rot.
Become more self-sufficient. Using a rain barrel can help you to become more self-sufficient in terms of your water supply. This can be a valuable asset, especially during times of water scarcity.

Overall, there are many good reasons to consider keeping a rain barrel. They are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to save money, reduce your impact on the environment, and improve the health of your plants.

Now we’ll discuss some of the challenges of rain barrels:

The collected water is not clean enough for drinking. Rainwater is not filtered or treated, so it is not safe to drink. However, it can be used for other purposes, such as watering plants, washing your car, or filling birdbaths.

You may need more than one barrel to collect enough water. The amount of water you collect will depend on the size of your roof and the amount of rainfall in your area. If you have a large roof and live in an area with frequent rainfall, you may need more than one barrel to collect enough water.

You may struggle to fill your barrels during dry seasons. If you live in an area with a dry climate, you may struggle to fill your barrels during the dry season. In this case, you may need to supplement your rainwater with other sources of water.

Despite these disadvantages, rain barrels are a great way to save water, reduce your impact on the environment, and improve the health of your plants. If you are considering getting a rain barrel, I would say, go for it!