*»EPA

United States
Environmental Protectior
Agency

August 2009

What is a
Rain Barrel?

Environmental Assessment & Innovation Division
EPA Region 3, Philadelphia, PA

A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that
would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams.
Usually a rain barrel is composed of a 55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC cou-
plings, a screen grate to keep debris and insects out, and other off-the-shelf
items, a rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit
conveniently under any residential gutter down spout.

What are the advantages of a rain barrel?

Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use
during the summer. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need
it most — during periods of drought — to water plants, wash your car, or to top a
swimming pool. It provides an ample supply of free "soft water" to homeown-
ers, containing no chlorine, lime or calcium making it ideal for gardens, flower
pots, and car and window washing.

A rain barrel used to collect
rooftop runoff using a gutter /
downspout system

A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Sav-
ing water not only helps protect the environment, it saves you money and energy (decreased demand for
treated tap water). Diverting water from storm drains also decreases the impact of runoff to streams. Therefore,
a rain barrel is an easy way for you to have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, FREE.

Where can I buy a ready-made rain barrel?

Ready-made rain barrels can be purchased from a number of companies, including hardware stores and garden
supply stores. In addition, local governments sometimes offer them for a reduced price as part of their environ-
mental education programs. Below are just a few sources (this listing does not constitute an endorsement by
EPA). All links below exit EPA.

Ace Hardware has a couple of models, 866-290-5334

Gaiam produces the Great American Rain Barrel, 877-989-6321

Plow & Hearth has several rain barrels including a pop-up barrel that folds flat when not needed, 800-494-
7544

Rain Barrel Source offers an extra large system, 866-912-9719
Spruce Creek Company produces the Spruce Creek Rainsaver, 800-940-0187

Urban Garden Center sells the Urban Rain Barrel, 866-923-1992


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