-return to Clean Lakes -

Rain Barrels

• Reduce Water Pollution

• Lowers Water Costs

• Easy to Use

• Great for the Environment

What is a rain barrel? A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering. Water collected in a rain barrel would normally pour off your roof directly or flow through roof gutter downspouts and become stormwater runoff. Depending on your yard this runoff can travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a storm drain.

Why use a rain barrel? Rain barrels conserve water and help lower costs (a rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months.) Rain barrels reduce water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediments, oil, grease, bacteria and nutrients. Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to build and install. Rain barrels provide free, soft water for use in watering plants which reduces the strain on municipal water systems. Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly release the collected rain fall to areas that soak up the water, reducing stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater recharge.

Operation and Maintenance – Rainwater is not potable due to the potential presence of contaminants from roofing materials. Rain barrels should be drained and removed for the winter months to prevent ice damage. Ready-made rain barrels range from $80-$150 depending on size, style and added features.

For more information about rain barrels contact the UNL Douglas/Sarpy Extension office at 444-7804.

- return to top -