Description:
Rain barrels capture relatively small amounts of roof runoff, but the captured precipitation can be used by homeowners for watering gardens or yards, and provides a better understanding of the volume of water generated by rooftops. Communities or organizations frequently organize rain barrel sales, where large shipments of barrels can be sold at a reduced cost. Some companies will bring a truckload of barrels to your community and provide all the logistics in exchange for marketing assistance for the sale.
Strengths:
Helps delay the contribution of precipitation to a combined sewer system, extending local wastewater treatment capacity. Reduces off-site stormwater runoff contributions to reduce flood risks, and saves on your water bill by using greywater for irrigation rather than expensive, treated, potable water.
Weaknesses:
It doesn't need to rain much to fill the rain barrels, thus limiting their stormwater management and water reuse benefits.Also, water re-use opportunities are limited during the winter season.
Examples:
Example 1: Minnesota
ORBIS Rain Barrel Truckload Sales
Minnesota Sea Grant Rain Barrel Sales
Description: One company that organizes truckload sales for communities.
Example 2: Ohio
Cuyahoga District Rain Barrel Program
Description: Cuyahoga Conservation Districts’ webpage on Rain Barrels. Connects to installation directions, rain barrel workshops, and sales locations.
Example 3: Joliet, IL
Description: The city’s webpage highlighting discounted rain barrels and guidance for maintenance of rain barrels throughout the year.
Example 4: Michigan
Description: Washtenaw Conservation District’s webpage on the purchase, maintenance, and value of rain barrels for citizens within its boundaries.