Saving Rain for a Sunny Day
Rain barrels at raingardens.org
Water is getting scarce in some areas, and water prices are rising. Many communities are rationing water. Droughts are causing much distress. A lot of your yards may be parching this year.
Well, here is some good news! There is a free resource you may not have thought of using to water your garden and lawn--RAIN. Consider some low-tech, old-fashioned technology for keeping your plants green and happy: rain barrels.
Does anybody remember rain barrels? I do. We used them when I was a kid. The nice soft water is perfect to water your gardens. Rain barrels are making a comeback, because they can save you money—and sometimes save your garden! The added advantage is that by using rain barrels, you can also help solve our stormwater pollution problems.
Have you ever wondered how much water runs off your roof? During a typical moderate storm of 1” of rain during a 24 hour period, over 700 gallons of water will run off the average roof, an impervious area of about 1,200 square feet. In one rainy day, your roof runoff could fill up fourteen bathtubs! Add up the many roofs in your city and we're talking a lot of water.
Stormwater from your roof is usually directed away from your yard and on down the street or road. On its way, it picks up pollutants; dirt, lawn clippings, pet waste, salt, lawn chemicals, gas and oil, and you name it (are you grossed out yet?). This water and the pollution load it carries generally goes to the nearest storm sewer, and from there to the nearest stream or river. Studies have determined that up to 70% of our surface water pollution is washed in there by stormwater. You can help solve this problem by keeping stormwater on your property and using it the way nature intended; to water the plants in your yard. A double benefit!
You can make a rain barrel, or buy one. Buying a ready-made rain barrel can be expensive. You can buy them from catalogs and on the internet (just do a search for "rain barrels"). Some garden centers carry them; call yours and check. Ready-made rain barrels range from about $70 to over $175, and shipping costs are additional. If you do buy a ready-made one, consider the safety features we recommend below.
When you get your rain barrel, beware of these things: 1) Your barrel must be made of “food quality” materials, so the water you save will remain uncontaminated. 2) Your rain barrel should NOT have a lid that easily comes off. This will insure that little creatures and little people will not be at risk of drowning in your rain barrel. 3) Your barrel should be safely screened so it doesn’t turn into a mosquito condo.
Just think: landscape watering consumes about 40% of your total water bill! Now think of how much money you will save with rain barrels…while you are protecting your local rivers, streams and lakes. Wouldn’t it be great if everybody got a rain barrel? Be the first in your neighborhood.
Make your own rain barrels
The Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League has researched the best way to construct your own rain barrel. They would like rain barrels to be an affordable and common feature in your neighborhood. Download their instructions to make your own rain barrel here.
About our project rain barrels
Spruce Creek Rainsavers and Gardener’s Supply Company donated some beautiful rain barrels to Rain Gardens of West Michigan, and we thank them.
West Michigan area rain barrels
Allendale True Value Hardware in Allendale, Michigan has ready-made rainbarrels!
FINALLY! Used, Food-Grade Barrels!
Used pickle barrels are available for $8-$10 from a recyling company near Howard City, Michigan. Phone: 231-218-5091. Hours: M-F 8-5, Saturday 8-4. Take exit 118 from highway 131. Go east to Federal Road. The place is just north of Howard City.
Wood Recycling
8250 Federal Road
Howard City, Michigan
(This article may be reprinted in any not-for-profit publication. Please credit raingardens.org)