Should You Use a Rain Barrel?
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by: georgewonderman
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Collecting falling water in a barrel or container is not a revolutionary new idea. In fact, the idea of the rain barrel has been around for just as long as irrigation has... which is thousands of years. In the last century or so, however, households have increasingly relied on municipal water systems. Unfortunately, using falling rainwater is no longer widely done.
Every household with a budget to follow (and some concern for the environment) cares about preserving water. But most households do not realize the benefits they could receive from using a rain barrel. A rain barrel is a large, specially made container that is designed to catch rainwater. These barrels are placed under your roofs drain downspout. When rain falls on the roof of your home, it is swept into your roofs gutters and out through its downspout. This allows you to collect large amounts of rain water as it falls.
How a Rain Barrel Helps the Environment
Reduced toxins in rivers. While rain is necessary for life, it can be bad for the environment. When it rains, the water that falls travels through our cities and streets before ending up on streams and creeks. As it flows, it collects chemicals, toxins, and other wastes. Routing some rainwater away from natural drainage reduces some of the tainted water that fouls up our rivers.
Reduced water usage. The greatest benefit you will see from utilizing a rain barrel is, of course, water usage. In the summer time, up to 40% of a households water usage goes to watering their garden and lawn. As a result of water shortages, many communities are experiencing water supply problems, forcing water rationing. By catching rainwater, however, you can relive some of the burden on your citys water supply, as well as keep your garden and yard healthy and watered year round.
Reduced power usage. We hear more and more about how important it is to reduce our energy usage to protect the environment. However, many people do not think of using power when they use the citys water. The water that comes from our homes pipes is water that is cleaned and pumped through long pipes to our homes. There are countless processes in water processing that use up energy and, unfortunately, harm the environment.
You can reduce your water usage by thousands of gallons and have plenty of water handy for plants and odd jobs simply by using a rain barrel. The only job rainwater can not fill is satisfying your thirst. Otherwise, rain barrel water is great for washing your car, watering your garden... and doing your part to protect the environment. Sites Consulted . Sites Consulted .
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