Rain Barrels
 

Built just for you


by the Hopkins Lions


Order now

Before April 22^nd    $ 50

After   April 22^nd     $ 60

    Barrels come in
      blue or white

Deliveries begin April 22^nd
 The 40^th anniversary of
           Earth Day.

Why Use Rain Barrels?

A rain barrel collects and stores rain water from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering.

During the summer months residential water use increases 40 to 50% due to outdoor use.

A typical house has a roof area of 1,200 square feet

That means a rainfall of 0.3 inches will fill a 55-gallon rain barrel.

Each rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months

Stormwater runoff is the leading type of residential non-point source pollution.

Depending on your yard, this runoff can travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a storm drain. This run-off picks up pollutants, sediment, bacteria and excess nutrients, carrying them into streams and lakes.  

Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly release the collected rain fall to areas that can soak up the water, reducing stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater recharge.

Tell me about these rain barrels

Our rain barrels are food grade barrels previously used for transport of flavoring syrups, vinegar or food grade dish soaps.

The barrels are washed and disinfected.

The water entry hole is cut in the top.

Fine mesh screen is affixed to the top.   This prevents keeps out debris and also prevents mosquitos from breeding in the standing water. 

A hole is drilled(near the bottom of the barrel) for the faucet

The faucet is inserted and sealed in place

A second hole is drilled (near the top of the barrel) for the overflow and overflow hose is attached

How do I use my rain barrel?
You may choose to use either your house or garage downspouts.

Two or more rain barrels may be placed in sequence using the overflow hose to fill the 2^nd after the 1^st is full.

The rain barrel operates on gravity.   You will need to put your rain barrel on a base that is high enough to allow access to the faucet.  (About 4”)

Be aware that your rain barrels will overflow when they are full.  Make sure to direct the overflow away from your foundation. 

Keep the mesh screen clear of debris and inspect it for any tears.  IF a tear occurs – either repair, or you will want to ask as a garden store for a mosquito preventer. 

Rain barrels should be drained for the winter months to prevent ice damage.