Rain Barrels

Purchase a Rain Barrel

Rain Barrels on the Green Venture Products website.

History

Since ancient times, rain barrels and other containers have been used to collect rainwater. This water was then used in periods of drought and as an alternate water source. Many cultures have used captured rain water, including those of Meso-America, the Middle East and Ancient Rome.

Today, rain barrels are gaining popularity and are becoming more common in North America. With the exception of replacing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers with companion planting and composting in your garden practices, installing a rain barrel is perhaps the best step toward 'greener gardening' you can make.

Benefits of Rain Barrels:

• Free rainwater = lower water bills 
• Reduce energy used by municipalities to treat and pump potable water and sewage 
• Soft, chlorine-free water for greener gardens 
• Help direct water away from foundations 
• Reduce storm run-off into local creeks and the harbour 
• Watering plants with luke-warm water reduces shock and damping-off of transplants 
• Use rainwater to wash your car — soft rain water doesn't leave spots when you rinse 
• Conserve water during hot, dry summer months 
• Fine-meshed screens prevent mosquito population growth and capture debris

Where Can I Get a Rain Barrel?

From EcoHouse

Instructions to Make Your Own Rain Barrel
Select the link below for instructions on how to make your own rain barrel.
Note: Files are in .pdf format and require Adobe Acrobat to view them. Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat.

• Rain Barrel - (.pdf 49 KB)

Where Can I Purchase Empy Barrels to Convert into Rain Barrels?
Contact the Recycling Service at 905-545-5577

Caring for Your Rain Barrel

Overflows
A well-built rain barrel will have an overflow hose. That means that if you get more than enough rain to completely fill the barrel, excess water will overflow into a hose directed away from your home to prevent flooding of building foundations and excess water wastage. Simply position the overflow hose appropriately and any excess water will go wherever you would like it (except uphill from the barrel of course!).

Winter Care
Prior to the winter months, the rain barrel should be completely drained of water. The shut-off valve to the hose should be left OPEN with the hose leading away from the rain barrel and house. This will prevent collected water from freezing in the barrel. Green Venture recommends that rain barrel owners mark this on their calendars, so as not to forget this important tip. Note: Overflow hose should always be directed away from foundation walls! With the exception of replacing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers with companion planting and composting in your garden practices, installing a rainbarrel is the best step toward "greener gardening" you canmake. Municipal water often has added chemicals, such as fluoride and chlorine, which can harm plants or decrease yield. Chlorine is used to kill bacteria -- when applied to lawns and gardens, these additives can reduce the activity of beneficial bacteria in the soil.

What about West Nile Virus?
Mosquitoes require a minimum of 6-9 days in standing water to become adults that can spread the West Nile Virus. There are several things you can do to keep mosquito larvae from becoming adults in your rain barrel.

Pick one method that suits you best and monitor your barrel for larvae frequently:

1. Use the water you have collected on your lawns and gardens once per week and rinse out the barrel
2. Add a tablespoon of dish soap to the water inside your barrel to kill mosquito larvae (this also provides nutrients for your lawn or gardens)
3. Manitoba's Health Deptartment recommends adding 250 mL (1/2 cup) of bleach to the barrel every week

Sources:
HortScience
Manitoba Health
Riversides Stewardship Alliance