There are tons of benefits of rain barrels for you, your garden, and the environment. In this post, I’ll list all of the advantages of rain barrels, and talk about the different reasons why having one (or more) is so rewarding.
Despite being the most abundant natural resource on the planet, fresh water is often limited right when you need it the most.
One of the biggest advantages of rain barrels is capturing and saving this free resource for later use. But rainwater harvesting is becoming very popular these days for many other reasons as well.
Collecting rainwater is one of the easiest steps you can take to make a positive ecological and economical impact.
It is also a wonderful way to stretch this precious resource, and keep your carefully cultivated garden lush and beautiful during droughts.
Below, you will learn all the ways that rain barrels benefit not only our local environment, but your plants, and your budget too.
7 Awesome Rain Barrel Benefits
There are so many advantages of rain barrels. It is such a simple way to keep collecting a free resource for the benefit of yourself, and the environment.
So, without further ado, here is my list of seven benefits of rain barrels…
1. Reduces Rainwater Runoff
One important benefits of rain barrels is that they reduce the amount of runoff from our roofs.
Runoff is a huge problem in urban and suburban areas, polluting our waterways with fertilizers, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Running water also gathers leaves as it flows, causing storm drain blockages and floods. Reducing runoff helps keep streams clear, and the plants and animals that rely on them healthy.
2. Improves Local Water Quality
Keeping dirt, pesticides, fertilizers, and yard debris out of our local rivers and streams also improves the local water quality.
Polluted runoff from storm drains enters natural waterways, and causes a lot of downstream damage.
Preventing that improves the quality of the local waterways, keeping our streams and lakes healthy, along with the humans and animals that use them.
Sure, having only one isn’t going to make a huge impact on water quality. But just think of the difference we could make if everyone in the neighborhood had a rain barrel or two.
3. Prevents Soil Erosion
Slowing down the flow of gutter runoff also helps to reduce soil erosion. Erosion can damage your foundation, as well as remove the nutrient-rich topsoil from your garden.
Collecting runoff from the roof preserves that topsoil for your plants, and prevents further damage to your landscaping.
I have noticed a huge improvement in the erosion problem I had on one side of my yard just by adding one under the gutter on that side of the house.
4. Healthier For Your Plants
Not only do rain barrels benefit the environment, they’re great for your plants too. Rainwater is the best choice for potted plants, and it’s so much better than municipal water!
Municipal water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can build up in the soil, and harm sensitive potted plants.
Even well water contains iron and other heavy minerals that can also build up and damage sensitive plants.
With minimal contaminants and no chemicals, rainwater is the healthiest choice for your potted plants and gardens.
5. Provides Water During Droughts
With peak summer temperatures ever-climbing, having water on hand when you need it is always useful for your garden, especially during the driest part of the year.
Collecting rainwater provides extra moisture for plants and gardens during dry periods and water scarcity.
This is especially helpful during periods of drought and water restrictions. You can keep your garden green and bountiful, without drawing on limited community resources, or facing higher usage fees.
6. Saves You Money
One of my favorite advantages of rain barrels (and a popular one!) is that they help to save money on your bills.
They provide you with a free supply of water, which gets replenished again and again, for no extra cost.
It’s perfect to save for when you need it the most, especially during high-usage times when your utility bill can become so expensive.
Related Post: Winterizing A Rain Barrel In 4 Easy Steps
7. Helps To Conserve Water
Another huge benefit of rain barrels is that they help to conserve water, since you can use it for other things besides your garden.
While not potable, rainwater is useful for all kinds of tasks, like filling up buckets for washing the car, patio furniture, windows, the dog, or other household chores.
I also use it for watering my outdoor containers, gardens, and houseplants in summer, and for filling up my pond and outdoor water features when they get low.
Plus, if it sits in the sun for part of the day, you will have pleasantly warm water to clean with.
With so many fantastic benefits of rain barrels, every gardener should have at least one! Once you experience all of these advantages for yourself, you’ll want to have one on every gutter of your house.
More About Garden Irrigation
- How To Set Up A Rain Barrel Step-By-Step
- How Do Rain Barrels Work?
- How To Water A Vegetable Garden, The Right Way!
- How To Install A DIY Drip Irrigation System For Potted Plants
What would you add to this list of rain barrel benefits? Post it the comments below.
Kitty says
Ty for info
Getting my first rain barrel this weekend
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome! Enjoy your new rain barrel! 🙂
Jen says
Where did you get the copper colored rain barrels? The only ones I can find that aren’t super fancy (i.e. super expensive) are blue or white. Neither of those colors is nice enough to have sitting out where everyone can see it in front of my house.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I got it several years ago at a local farm supply store, but they no longer sell them. I know that’s not helpful, but I’ve also seen some really nice ones at Home Depot and Lowe’s. Rain barrels are pretty popular and easy to find these days. I’ve heard of people painting them too, so that could be an option if all you can find are the ugly blue or white ones.
Anonymous says
I'm curious, how did you attach the screen to the barrel?
Amy Andrychowicz says
The top of my rain barrel screws on. So I cut the screen larger than the hole, and screwed in under the lid. Hope that makes sense.
Anonymous says
Thank you!