• Flexibility As water storage needs change, the number of rain water barrels in a system can follow suit.

• Happier plants Rainwater is free of the additives (e.g., chlorine and fluoride) in tap water that plants don’t need or want. Rainwater is also slightly acidic, helping plants access soil nutrients. However, certain roofs can affect water quality.

• Reduced stormwater runoff Rain barrels can divert a limited amount of stormwater  from roofs, reducing strains on urban creeks and storm systems.

• Some water savings Rain barrels can save water (rain harvesting), but saving depend on the storage capacity of the system and proper use and maintenance. Additional outdoor water savings can be achieved by creating a water-wise yard and garden.

To determine the amount of rain your roof catches, multiply your home’s width by its length (in feet) to estimate its footprint. Then estimate the portion of this area that drains to the downspout you’ll be using to catch your rain. The following formula will give a rough estimate of how much rain you can catch: Rain caught (gallons) = (inches of rain) x .6* x (portion of building footprint)

For example, if your home’s footprint is 1,400ft2, and you want to know the amount of water that comes from a 1/4” (.25”) rain event, you would solve the following: Rain caught (gallons) = (.25) x (.6) x (1,400), or 210 gallons. However, storage is limited to the capacity of your system. Added capacity helps your system weather the dry spells. Capacity and cost are directly related: decide how much you want to spend for saving! Rain water barrel kits run from $80 to $130 or more for one-barrel models on “rain barrels for sale” . Payback depends on system size, cost, rain patterns, use and maintenance, and your water rates. A “Do it Yourself” rain barrel can make the payback much shorter.