For gardens and yards, watering is always a concern. And with the local climate varying from the past, some of you might be experiencing less rain than normal. Now is a good time to consider getting a rain barrel or two to capture rain water for those drier days.

Here are some thoughts and observations about rain barrels:

What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater from rooftops at either the downspout or the lowest pitch area of your home’s roof. You can then use the collected water for your garden or flowers and even to wash the car.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that lawn and garden watering make up about 40 percent of household water use in summer months, and that a rain barrel will save most homeowners 1,300 gallons of water during that time.

If your rain barrel is elevated, make certain that it is secure so that it cannot tip over. Note that the best place for a rain barrel is where downspouts discharge onto or near a hard surface, such as a driveway, sidewalk, or patio, where the water cannot be absorbed.

Make sure your Rain Barrel is mosquito-proof! Generally, a good rain barrel will have a screen that will keep insects and debris from getting into the barrel, but let the water flow in. While most rain barrels have a screen over the intake, reducing the amount of leaf litter and other debris from reaching the intake will greatly reduce the amount of debris that makes it through the screen or prevents water from entering the barrel – clean those gutters.

Depending upon where you live, if the rain barrel is not made of a material specifically designed for freezing temperatures, disconnect it during the winter to avoid damage. Rain barrels are often made from 55-gallon food-grade plastic barrels, although they can also be made of wood. A typical rain barrel will weigh over 400 pounds when full.

A standard 55-gallon rain barrel can fill in a matter of minutes during a strong rainstorm. So what happens when you rain barrel is full during a storm or downpour? Your rain barrel will overflow during heavy rain, so be sure you can direct the overflow.You can let the excess run off as it normally would, away from your home or neighbor’s home or to handle larger volumes of water, consider water management practices such as rain gardens. And your water barrel should include a spigot and a downspout diverter.

Another value for your rain barrel, is that it can also help reduce the amount of water that may settle around the foundation of your home. and depending upon how much you store and use during the year, these containers can have a positive effect on your water bill. The addition of a barrel stands create a larger offset between the spigot and the ground, making it easier to fill watering cans and for general use.

Store-bought rain barrels often include functional features such as an outlet for a garden hose and watering can, and a child safety lock. Also, rain barrels often are available through classes at your county Extension office.

Now that you know a bit more about these water collecting containers, here is a rain barrel I recommend you check out:

RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel with Brass Spigot, Wood Grain

• Authentic oak barrel texture is molded into each barrel; Will not fade, rot or risk insect infestation
• Flat back to sit flush against a wall; Linkable to other barrels to increase water collection
• Save water and money by capturing rainwater to use for your lawn and garden; Optional stand to make filling watering cans easier (sold separately)
• Aluminum screen keeps out debris and insects; Designed to be child and pet safe with no large openings
• Brass Spigot shut off valve for hose hook-up with dual overflow; A front side overflow keeps water from flooding against your outside wall
• Rain barrel stand is recommended for best use

Embrace nature’s solution to our emerging water shortage–collect rainwater! When drought sets in and rain is short, rain barrels can provide that precious water you need for your lawn and garden. For style, an authentic oak barrel, wood grain texture is molded into each barrel which will not fade, rot or risk insect infestation.

The RTS Accents rain barrel has many unique features including a flat back to sit flush against a wall, linkable to other rain barrels for increased capacity, screen to keep out debris and insects, and a shut off valve for hose hook up with dual overflow.

This rain barrel can provide up to 50 gallons of pure unchlorinated water. During heavy rain falls, a typical roof can produce hundreds of gallons of water and by saving that water, you can reduce your average water usage. With those kinds of savings, this rain barrel can pay for itself in just a few seasons.

A front side overflow keeps water from flooding against your outside wall. It is recommended that you drain your barrels when temperatures approach the freezing point.

1. Actual Customer Comment: This is what you want. Perfect rain barrel that parks against your wall saving space with its flat side and collecting water. Brass faucet makes this a plus. Opening where down spout supplies water is covered by screen to prevent breeding of mosquitos. I plan on buying another, it’s that good.
2. Actual Customer Comment: This product is some kind of plastic but looks like a rustic wood barrel with metal straps even when you’re standing very close to it. Just ask all my friends that had to actually touch it to be convinced it wasn’t wood! Ive now used it to capacity a few times after rainstorms and highly recommend it. You’ll also want to buy one of the stands so you can run a hose from the tap at the bottom.

=> For more about this rain barrel click here: RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel with Brass Spigot, Wood Grain

Click here for a related post about Rain Chains