Rain barrels for your garden

Rain barrels, or more commonly known as rainwater tanks in South Africa can be made from small plastic drums, oak barrels or any other suitable container. Most who start with a small rain barrel or drum soon see the benefits of rainwater harvesting and go on to install bigger water tanks – 5000 litres, 10000 litres or even 20000 litre tanks – a heavy downpour can fill a large water tank surprisingly quickly.

The extended weather outlook from the national weather service for August and September is that we will experience above normal rainfall. If only there was a way to capture that water and use it at a later time when we are dry. Well, there is a way — rain barrels.

By utilizing rain barrels or rain water tanks in the landscape, you not only collect water, but you may help to reduce nutrient, pesticide and soil runoff from your landscape. These are things that can negatively impact the surrounding environment particularly water bodies.

There may be areas on your house’s eaves that are not suited to gutters. Placing a rain barrel or water tank to capture water from the roofline may prevent puddles from forming along the foundation of your home. You can also place an overflow with a hose on a rain barrel so you can conduct the water to where you want it to disperse.

Source: StAugustine.com (By Keith Fuller)