What's a Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from your rooftop to use later for things like lawn and garden watering.  Water collected in a rain barrel would normally flow through your downspout, onto a paved surface, and eventually into a storm drain. 

Why use a rain barrel?
~Rain barrels help lower water costs (a rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months)
~Storing rainwater for garden and lawn use helps recharge groundwater naturally.
~Rain barrels reduce water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, and nutrients.
~Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to build and install.

Other Questions?
Contact the Douglas SWCD for more information or help with garden designs.