Rain Barrels
Rain barrels connect to a roof's downspout, capturing runoff so it can be used later for irrigation. Rain barrel kits include components such as a screen to prevent debris from entering the barrel and a spout for easily access the water for irrigation.
Rain Barrel Benefits
Landscape irrigation is often the largest water use for single-family homes, particularly in warm inland areas like the Tri-Valley. Rain barrels can help preserve our drinking water supply by limiting the amount needed for landscape irrigation or other non-drinking uses.
Captured rainwater requires no treatment. Rain barrels are inexpensive to install and can reduce your home's overall water use.
Rain Barrel Limitations
California has distinct wet and dry seasons. This means that rainwater can often only be captured during the wet season when additional irrigation water is unnecessary. During the dry season, California can go for many weeks without rain, allowing for no rainwater capture when irrigation water would be helpful. However, any rainwater captured during the wet season can still be used for non-drinking uses such as watering indoor plants, flushing toilets, and washing cars.