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Green Living - Rain Barrels

With all this recent rain I have seriously been considering installing a rain barrel. I love the idea of collecting rainwater for future use and minimizing our water bill so I started to do a little research.

Overall it is very affordable. You can purchase one ready to be installed for less than $100. In fact the city of Houston sells them once a year for $69 (http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/houston)

I will probably go that route but it looks like it quite easy to make one as well. The EPA provides step-by-step instructions: http://www.epa.gov/region3/p2/make-rainbarrel.pdf

There are quite a few benefits to installing a rain barrel. One of the biggest one for us is minimizing erosion near the foundation. It’s better to collect the water and not have it sit or erode the soil around your foundation.


TOP 10 REASONS TO INSTALL A RAIN BARREL:

1. Rainwater is better for your plants and soil. Rainwater is highly oxygenated, free of the salts, inorganic ions, and fluoride compounds contained in tap water that accumulate in the soil over time and potentially harm plant roots. Use of rainwater in your garden dilutes this impact, making plants more drought-tolerant, healthy, and strong.
2. You’ll have your own water source in times of drought or watering restrictions. If you collect rainwater, you’ll be able to keep watering and nourishing your garden with your rain barrel reserves.
3. You’ll help to reduce runoff pollution. When it rains, runoff picks up soil, fertilizer, oil, pesticides and other contaminants and pushes them into other areas of the landscape. These pollutants can increase algae growth in lakes, alter the habitat for fish, and even make lakes and oceans dangerous for recreational activities. Your water collecting stops some of this damaging flow.
4. You’ll contribute to erosion prevention efforts. Rain runoff is also a particular issue in places where land erosion is a concern. Your rain catch will be especially helpful in these cases.
5. You’ll cut down on the amount of water that must undergo expensive and energy-intensive sewage treatments. Capturing rainwater and putting it straight to use in your garden eliminates the need for this processing cycle.
6. You’ll have a fresh, green way to wash your cars and pets. Rainwater doesn’t have the salt and other chemicals found in tap water.
7. Rainwater is the eco-friendly option to keep composts moist. Adding tap water to your compost doesn’t fit this sustainability practice; you’ll want to use rainwater instead.
8. You’ll help control moisture levels around the foundations of your home. Collecting rainwater before it hits ground levels will help to prevent flooding, damp, and mold.
9. You can reduce your water bill. Garden and lawn watering accounts for 40 percent of residential water use during the summer, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thanks to a rain barrel’s water catch, the typical gardener can save 1,300 gallons of water during the growing season.
10. You’ll be an inspiring example of environmental stewardship. And we thank you for it!
Plus it looks like Texas and Ohio are among states that have devoted a considerable amount of attention to this issue, and have numerous enacted laws regulating the practice of rainwater harvesting. Texas offers a sales tax exemption on the purchase of rainwater harvesting equipment (tax form: http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxforms/01-339.pdf).

BUILDING AND INSTALLING A RAIN BARREL
Before you start, make sure that your roof is clean and your gutters are clear of debris. Select a place for your rain barrel under shortened downspout on level, solid ground free of any rocks, roots, or debris that can make your rain barrel rock from side to side. Fifty gallons of water weigh several hundred pounds and may be a risk to children if they try to climb on the barrel.

It is recommended to raise your barrel a few inches by placing it on top of flat landscape/paver-type stones or concrete blocks. Raising your rain barrel a few inches off of the ground will give you more water pressure and make it easier to reach for the spigot or use a watering can.

Arrange your rain barrel so that the overflow valve is facing away from your home’s foundation. Always make sure to monitor your rain barrel for overflow to avoid damage to your foundation.

There are some good-looking rain barrels. They don’t all have to look like trashcans: http://www.houzz.com/photos/query/rain-barrel



MAINTENANCE
Rain barrels are low tech and low maintenance, but there are a few things you will want to do to keep your rain barrel(s) working properly:

  • ·      Most problems with rain barrels can be easily avoided if water is not allowed to stand in the barrel for more than five to seven days. Mosquitoes are a frequent concern with rain barrels as these insects breed in stagnant water. A fine mesh screen fitted to the lid of your rain barrel will prevent adult mosquitoes from gaining access to the barrel and laying eggs. While not recommended, if you opt not to use a screen or filter, you will need to completely empty your barrel every week so that mosquitoes do not have time to breed.
  • ·      Growth of algae may also be a problem if rain barrels are placed in direct sunlight. If algae become a problem, empty the barrel and then wash the barrel with a dilute bleach solution ¾ cup of bleach per one gallon of water. Rinse the barrel well after bleaching and dispose of the bleach water in a household drain.
  • ·      Check your rain barrel on a regular basis to make sure all openings are clean, free of debris and flowing freely.
  • ·      During severe rain storms, check your rain barrel to make sure the overflows are working properly.
  • ·      During months when temperatures are below freezing, you might want to disconnect the barrel from the downspout to avoid the formation of ice, which can damage your rain barrel. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing as this can weaken your barrel.
  • ·      Consider draining your rain barrel for the winter. Store upside down so ice doesn’t form inside and crack the barrel



SAFETY TIPS
  • ·      Only use food-grade barrels.
  • ·      Avoid collecting rainwater from roofs that have been treated with chemicals (ie. moss killers, zinc strips, etc.).
  • ·      Never use your rain barrel water for drinking or washing. If you choose to use collected rainwater for growing edible fruits, vegetable or herbs, always rinse with tap water before consuming.
  • ·      Mosquito control is important due to West Nile Virus. You can also help prevent mosquitoes from breeding by placing a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your barrel. More information on mosquito control can be found at www.pep.wsu.edu.
  • ·      Be sure to place your rain barrel(s) on a strong, sturdy, and flat base.

If you have any questions or if you would like assistance in buying, selling or renting give me a call. I'm happy to help.



Ali Palacios, ABRMCNETAHS
Realtor
Today's Home Realty
ali.palacios@todayshomerealty.com
Mobile - 832-418-0670
Fax - 832-201-7492
www.todayshomerealty.com
www.ilovehappyclients.com

9119 Hwy 6 S #230-116, Missouri City, TX 77459


Home buyers and sellers beware: http://homes-sale-richmond-texas.blogspot.com/2016/02/home-buyers-and-seller-beware-wire.html
Rental fraud alert: http://homes-sale-richmond-texas.blogspot.com/2016/02/rental-fraud-alert-texas-luz-astacio.html



About me: http://www.ilovehappyclients.com
Professional Memberships:

  • Houston Association of Realtors®
  • Texas Association of Realtors®
  • National Association of Realtors®
  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative – ABR
  • Master Certified Negotiation Expert – MCNE
  • Accredited Staging Professional – ASP®
  • Texas Affordable Housing Specialist – TAHS
  • Women’s Council of Realtors®
  • National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate


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