Rain Barrels

     Have you ever considered installing rain barrels on your home?  Did you know that rain barrels serve a more important purpose than just conserving water?
     A rain barrel is a water collection system that takes the water from your downspouts and stores it in a large container for future use.  1000 square feet of roof and one inch of rain can give you up to 632 gallons of free water.  You can use this water to wash your cars, or water your lawn or your garden,even in times of drought.   Arlington Echo Education Center notes that more importantly, the water that is not collected "carries pollutants that are usually directed into groundwater or allowed to flow directly into waterways around the Bay. Water that runs off the land can be loaded with nutrients, bacteria, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals." By dirverting the water from storm drains and slowly releasing it elsewhere, you are filtering those nutrients and preventing the chemicals from reaching the Bay.

     Typically the containers are made of 55 gallon food grade drums, and standard plumbing fittings.  They are easy to make, and are a fairly inexpensive DIY project.  Or, you can do as we recently did and buy pre-made barrels from Arlington Echo.  Arlington Echo does all of the fittings for you and all you have to to is to install it under your downspout.  We will be using our barrels to water our garden this summer.  Check out a couple of photos of our rain barrels, or check out the link to the right to order your own barrels from Arlington Echo.  Save water, protect the bay, and be a good steward of Creation.