Using a Rain Barrel Can Save Money and Water

Rain barrels can conserve a valuable natural resource!

If you have municipal water and use it for watering your garden, flower beds or landscaping, consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your house roof for those watering needs. Using a rain barrel can benefit your garden and landscaping by taking advantage of rain water, a resource that would otherwise be lost as runoff to storm drains and streams.  

Using a rain barrel also reduces the amount of municipal water used, saving you money. A rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months, depending on rainfall. Rain water is also naturally better for plants and gardens as it is soft water, devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals. Plants respond better to rain water than municipal or well water.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District offers rain barrels for sale which are made from recycled, food-grade plastic barrels. They are 55-gallon in size and come in black, grey and terra-cotta colors. Support risers for the barrels and downspout diverters are also available.

Also available are tumbling composters, made from recycled food-grade plastic 55-gallon barrels. The composters only require a 3 foot by 4 foot area, so they are ideal for a location with limited space. They are low maintenance, fully-enclosed and reduce odor problems by controlling moisture and aeration.

Rain barrels and composters are available year-around. A limited stock of rain barrels and composters are available at the District office, but if what you want is not on-hand, they are generally available in two to three weeks, depending on delivery schedules.  

Order forms and additional information about both the rain barrels and composters is available at the Conservation District office, 7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, and on the District website. Or call the District office, phone: (734) 761-6721 ext. 5 to find out about current availability.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.