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, ABR, MCNE, TAHS
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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