Sometimes, it feels like the puddle-jumping children in their rainboots may be the only ones who enjoy a summer storm. However, your garden plants love it even more!
Rain may feel like a distant memory right now, but that’s a potent reminder to make the most of every drop when it does fall again. Properly set up and utilized, your plants will thrive on the water stored in a rain barrel, available whenever it’s needed. High-quality rain barrels can be obtained locally, and installation is typically a DIY project.
Even if you have just been thinking about a rain barrel but aren’t sure how helpful it might be, we’ve got a two-minute video for you to see why it’s worth “catching the rain.”
The Magic of Rainwater video
What are the benefits of a rain barrel?
From conserving water to enhancing your garden, there’s a reason for every home to utilize a rain barrel.
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Water Conservation. Lower your water bill and do your part to conserve our natural resources by using rainwater for outdoor and indoor plants. A single 55-gallon rain barrel can provide one inch of water to 88 square feet of planted area, enough to water a three foot by four foot raised bed about seven times!
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Plant Growth. Absent of harmful additives like chlorine, fluoride, and sodium that can negatively impact plants, rainwater provides trace minerals like zinc, manganese, copper, and iron in addition to delivering oxygen to plants’ roots. When lightning strikes, nitrogen is converted into usable forms that dissolve in rainwater and help your garden plants flourish.
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Convenience. Rain barrels are typically placed close to the house and can be easily fitted with a spigot or used to fill watering cans, making it easy to use rainwater in your outdoor spaces.
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Rebates and Discounts. For those that get their water bill from Woodlands Water Agency, you are eligible to receive 50% of the cost back as credit on your water bill. You can find details for all water-saving items that qualify for rebates on the WWA Website. You can purchase a rain barrel at a discount through our nonprofit partner, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.
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Flexibility. As your needs change, an additional rain barrel can be connected to provide a larger supply of rainwater. Additionally, water beyond what the barrel’s capacity can be diverted to make a beautiful self-watering rain garden. Check out this video to get started!
Two connected rain barrels with a hose attached to the spigot
What do I need to know about rain barrels?
Below are some of the main considerations as you start your rain barrel journey.
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Water Pressure Matters. Be aware that the only water pressure in a rain barrel comes from the weight of the water and gravity. Elevation is recommended to create a stable base, allow access to the spigot, and help increase water pressure. You can also add a pump!
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Ensure it’s Secure. A 55-gallon rain barrel filled to the brim weighs 430 pounds – as much as a baby elephant – and must have a stable base to ensure it is safe. Consider where the barrel is placed and how it is secured to protect little ones or pets who may lean on it.
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Keep it Mosquito-Free. A barrel full of water could quickly become a mosquito factory! Fortunately, most purchased rain barrels come with a tight-fitting lid and stoppers for any unused ports. If you are making your own, ensure that there are screens or plugs over any openings to stop those pesky biters from gaining entry. Throw in a Mosquito Dunk® for peace of mind to safely treat the whole barrel for a month or more – the water is safe to use for veggies and won’t harm any other bugs or soil microorganisms.
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Rules for The Woodlands. Rain barrels are included in The Woodlands Township Development Standards – be sure to check out the document for guides to appearance, drainage, height, and quantity. Standards that apply to rain barrels can be found online on page 27.
Success with Rain Barrels
For more resources, The Woodlands Township Environmental Services YouTube Playlist has 3 videos to help you optimize rainwater at home:
Success with Rain Barrels – 6 Things to Know
Creating a Self-Watering Garden for Birds and Butterflies
Beyond the Barrel – Easy Ways to Work with Rain
For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.