Rain Barrels a Homeowner� S Guide

RAIN BARRELS A HOMEOWNER S GUIDE

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability. This nondiscrimination policy involves every aspect of the District’s functions, including access to and participation in the District’s programs and activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the District’s Human Resources Director, 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4702; TDD 1-800-231-6103 (FL only); or email [email protected].

VISPT 08-11 Notes

Make your own notations as you build your water storage system:

2 27 CoNtaCt INformatIoN table of CoNteNts

Your county Extension office can provide more information on rain barrels and Introduction ...... 5 water conservation. For contact information, look under your county s telephone book listing or visit solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/. Benefits of a Rain Barrel ...... 6

Components of a Rainwater Collection System ...... 7 For more information on water conservation, contact any of the following agencies: How Much Rainwater Can I Collect? ...... 11 .

Southwest Florida Rain Barrel Construction ...... 12 Water Management District 2379 Broad Street Overflows and Multiple Barrels ...... 17 Brooksville, FL 34604 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or Uses for Collected Water ...... 19 (352) 796-7211, ext. 4757 WaterMatters.org Examples of Cisterns and Rain Barrels ...... 20

Florida House Learning Center Painting Your Rain Barrel ...... 22 4600 Beneva Road South Sarasota, FL 34233 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 23 (941) 316-1200 sarasota.extension.ufl.edu Resources ...... 25

Special thanks to: Contact Information ...... 26 Hillsborough County Extension Service: Marina D'Abreau, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Coordinator Writing and Photography by Billie Lofland, Senior Television Producer/Director Gerard Watson TR Drum in Plant City, Florida, for the use of their facilities Hillsborough County Water Department Rain barrel artwork done by Cindy Paulhus, Master Gardener Water Conservation Staff Design by Maria Marmol, McShane Communications, Inc. Funding by the Southwest Florida Water Management District

26 3 resourCes

Rain Barrel Supplies There are companies that sell pre- To find barrels or drums to convert into constructed rain barrels. These pre- rain barrels, look in the Yellow Pages assembled kits come with the inlet and under drums, barrels or containers. At outlet already installed. They will also your local drum supplier, there are carry the necessary tubing for connecting several types of drums and barrels that barrels together. If you cannot find one can easily be converted into a rain barrel. locally, check the Internet for a supplier. Make sure you purchase plastic food- The Internet is also a good resource to grade containers. Local plumbing suppliers find an abundance of information about or home centers will sell all the necessary rainwater harvesting, rain barrels, fittings such as spigots, PVC adapters and cisterns and suppliers. piping to finish the assembly.

This barrel supplier has hundreds of barrels in varying sizes available to the public.

4 25 INtroduCtIoN

Is maintenance required with my available at home centers or pond supply This booklet is designed to educate only simple collection and distribution rain barrel? stores that will prevent mosquitoes from homeowners on harvesting rainwater methods related to landscape watering. If your rain barrel is properly installed, it breeding. The most common product is by using a small rain barrel. Harvesting should require very little maintenance. found in tablet form and contains Bacillus rainwater allows the homeowner to Cisterns and rain barrels have been around Periodic inspection of the tank for cracks thuringiensis, a biological larvicide. Just a supplement other irrigation sources at a for thousands of years and the time has or buildup of debris on the bottom may small amount in the barrel will last 30 days minimal cost. Storing rainwater also aids come for more homeowners to enjoy be all that is needed. Some barrels, or longer. in the reduction of stormwater runoff, their benefits. especially light-colored or clear ones that which can lead to reduced levels of pesticides and fertilizers in stormwater are in direct sunlight, may become brittle Having a ponds, streams, lakes and bays. As the over time. They can be painted to make tight fit where the them last longer. water enters the region continues to have extended barrel will keep periods of below-normal rainfall, having If you have placed a screen in the out mosquitoes. extra water on hand is a good idea. downspout or over the barrel opening, this will require periodic inspection and This booklet focuses only on storing cleaning to ensure a good water flow. Will my rain barrel tip over? rainwater for nonpotable outdoor uses as a supplement to natural rainfall and Water weighs a little over 8 pounds per What about mosquitoes? other sources of irrigation. Rainwater gallon, so a 50-gallon rain barrel will harvesting for potable uses, such as Mosquitoes and other insects are always weigh over 400 pounds when full. If you drinking, cooking and bathing, is possible attracted to standing water. If you have a have small children or pets and are and is done in many parts of this country tight fit where the downspout enters the concerned that the barrel might tip over, and throughout the world. However, barrel, there should be little problems you may want to strap or attach the barrel using rainwater for potable uses requires with mosquitoes getting into the barrel. to a nearby wall or other stable structure filtration, treatment and routine testing Small gaps or holes can be filled with (fence, tree, etc.). Any type of frame can be for safety all topics which are beyond Multiple barrels provide for caulk or covered with window screen. built around the barrel, or straps can be the scope of this text. This booklet covers greater water storage. Also, make sure the guttering is sloped wrapped around or screwed to the barrel properly and free of debris to prevent and then anchored to a wall or other standing water where mosquitoes can stable structure. If the barrel sits on a level breed. If keeping mosquitoes out of the and stable platform, tipping over is not a tank is impossible, there are products problem.

24 5 beNefIts of a raIN barrel frequeNtly asked questIoNs

Rainwater harvesting is always Do I need a permit? If you plan on connecting a pump or beneficial, whether the water is used Check with your county to see if a attaching plumbing or irrigation lines to to water one houseplant or an entire permit is required to install a small rain your rain barrel or cistern, contact your garden. Also, the act of collecting barrel on your property for nonpotable local plumbing or building department. rainwater can be an inspiration to find uses, such as landscape watering. If you A backflow protection device may be other ways to conserve water around the live in an area or subdivision with deed required on the potable water service line home. restrictions, you should review them in these situations. Stored rainwater is not before installing a rain barrel in your potable water and should not be used for When designing a cistern or rain barrel, yard. Some deed restrictions do prohibit drinking, bathing, pets or recreation. you want it to be as large as your them. You can also check your local budget and location will allow. Many plumbing or health codes for guidance. What about water quality? homeowners are making rain barrels out The quality of rainwater shedding off a of 50- to 55-gallon food-grade drums When constructing a large cistern, either roof or gutter system is more than that were used to carry food products, above or below ground, check with your adequate for plants. In fact, it can be such as juices, olives, pickles, etc. local plumbing, building and health beneficial due to the lack of chlorine and Containers or drums under 300 gallons departments to see if a permit or a lower pH level than utility-provided are affordable, readily available at backflow protection device is required or water. As rainwater sheds off a roof or most drum or barrel suppliers and are if there are recommended guidelines. other catchment area, it can carry with it small enough to fit on most residential Rain barrels are one component of this water-efficient landscape. some levels of algae, roofing chemicals or or commercial lots. Important Note: Rain barrels or bird droppings. These are not a concern cisterns should not in any way be for nonpotable uses or occasional contact Although a small rain barrel may not connected to your in-house plumbing. by the homeowner. provide all the water needed to sustain The water savings from using stored This will prevent a cross-connection to your plant material, it can certainly rainwater rather than municipal or your potable water. supplement your current watering well water can be substantial over a schedule. Planter beds, vegetable or period of time. A rain barrel can also flower gardens and potted plants can help reduce the amount of water that easily be irrigated with the water from may settle around the foundation of your a rain barrel. home.

6 23 PaINtINg your raIN barrel ComPoNeNts of a raINwater ColleCtIoN system When it comes to being creative, you re Regardless of what type of paint you only limited by your imagination! choose, it is a good idea to apply one or Whether you install a large concrete Painting your rain barrel is not only fun, two coats of polyurethane to your finished cistern or a small plastic rain barrel, the but it will also help to protect the surface barrel to protect it. following basic components are involved of the barrel from breaking down due to in every rainwater collection system: the harsh effects of the sun. Painting a To prime your barrel: rain barrel is a great activity for children 1. Thoroughly clean the exterior surface of 1 . Catchment Area and can introduce them to the the barrel by wiping away excess dirt and 2 . Conveyance System importance of conserving water. grime with a clean rag soaked in a 1:1 3 . Storage Tank mixture of vinegar and water. 4 . Filtration Outdoor acrylics and spray paint work 2. Using a fine- to medium-grade sandpaper, 5 . Water Distribution well, but the barrel must first be primed rough up the surface of the barrel. so these materials adhere properly to the This helps the paint adhere to the plastic 1 . Catchment Area surface. A product on the market is a barrel. A catchment area can be any area that spray paint designed specifically for 3. With a dry cloth, wipe the barrel again to collects or sheds rainwater. A roof is outdoor plastic furniture, but it will work get rid of any fine plastic shavings. the most common and adaptable area on almost any plastic surface. The benefit 4. Apply one coat of outdoor primer. to use for rainwater collection. Due to to this product is that the barrel does not Primer is typically white, but it can be its already existing slope and height, a have to be primed before applying the A roof makes mixed with another paint color or tinted roof makes a perfect catchment area by spray paint. If using spray paint but need a perfect to match the final design color of the using gravity to direct the water. Most to paint small details, spray some paint catchment area. barrel. Allow the primer to dry according homes and commercial buildings are into a small cup, making a liquid puddle. to the directions on the container. equipped with a guttering system that This paint can be brushed on. can easily be adapted to funnel water Now the barrel can be painted any way to a storage tank. If guttering does not Other forms of catchment areas may you like by stencil, a pattern, freehand, exist, it can be added to the side of the include sidewalks, driveways and natural etc. Allow the paint to dry completely house or building that will be used for or man-made swales or berms in the before applying one to two coats of rainwater collection. This can be done at landscape that can direct the flow of polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to a relatively low cost. rainwater to a storage tank. dry between coats. This barrel was painted to match the house color. 22 7 2 . Conveyance System below ground. Some materials used for Many county Extension offices have rain Once the catchment area has been storage tank construction are plastic, barrel demonstration exhibits where you identified, the next step is to transport fiberglass, concrete and metal. So water can see examples of rain barrels that any that water into the storage tank. With a will not leak out, the material should homeowner can install. The Extension roof catchment area, a guttering system be smooth and nonporous. Storage tanks offices also provide an abundance of is the easiest. All this may require is can be elaborate concrete structures or information on plants, gardening, modifying the existing guttering system simple plastic containers like garbage composting and water conservation. to divert the downspouts into the storage cans or barrels. Most county Extension offices offer tank. Remember to keep any gutter or workshops on all of these subjects. Hillsborough downspout modifications sloping Most storage tanks are placed above ground to take advantage of the force of County Extension downward toward the storage tank. Service has a Large diameter PVC pipe, rubber hose gravity. A below-ground tank requires a pump to get the water out. This increases demonstration or tubing can also be used. rain barrel. the cost and maintenance of the 3 . Storage Tank system. A storage tank can be made of various materials and can be located above or

Some common containers used for rain Rain barrels may be painted to Gutters and downspouts funnel barrels are (left to right): 50-gallon increase their aesthetic value. rainwater to the rain barrels. sealed barrel, 275-gallon juice container, 50-gallon open-top barrel.

8 21 examPles of CIsterNs aNd raIN barrels 4 . Filtration Although a screen will keep out most In 1996, a 15,000-gallon cistern was Generally, rainwater does not need to debris, a small amount of debris will get constructed at Hillsborough County s be filtered for outdoor use. As water into the storage tank. It is a good idea main courthouse. This project was sheds off a roof or other catchment to clean the tank periodically to avoid a approved by the Board of County area, it may pick up leaf debris, bird large buildup of debris on the bottom. Commissioners, with cooperative funding droppings or chemical agents from the If using a submersible pump inside the provided by the Southwest Florida Water roof material, but these are not harmful storage tank, a filter will be required Management District. This cistern Hydria to plants. A simple screen mesh, such as to keep the pump from clogging. The demonstration project is named cistern window screen or wire mesh, to keep out pump should come with its own filter or Hydria, the Greek word for water jar. leaf debris and insects is all the filtration screen, or with instructions on how to Rainwater is collected from the that is needed. This can be placed where make one. The filter may require routine courthouse roof and is stored in an One cistern is used for irrigation, the the water enters the conveyance system maintenance, so easy access to the pump underground tank. Water-using items, other for irrigation and flushing toilets. (guttering) or just before the storage tank will be a necessity. such as garden hoses, spigots and The cisterns are one component of the (downspouts or tank opening). watering cans are in the base of the Florida House s public education efforts cistern. This cistern was designed to that teach about water and energy supply water to the surrounding conservation, recycling principles and landscape. products, and healthy house concepts, including least toxic building materials. The Florida House Learning Center in Contact information is at the back of this Sarasota, Florida, has two cisterns that booklet. each hold 2,500 gallons of rainwater.

A window screen placed over the barrel opening (left) or a gutter strainer placed in the downspout opening (right) will keep leaves and other debris out of the rain barrel. These cisterns at the Florida House Learning Center each hold 2,500 gallons of rainwater.

20 9 uses for ColleCted water 5 . Water Distribution If a large area is to be watered using a If you currently have a standard soaker hose or a length of PVC pipe or Getting the water to your plants is the large storage tank, adding a small pump irrigation system, you may be able to garden hose with holes punched in it final step of the rainwater collection may be an option to consider. Installing a turn off sprinkler zones that are in may work with these low pressures. system. Due to low water pressure from pump on a small rain barrel would be planter beds or gardens and use stored If using a soaker hose, take out the most rain barrel applications, water impractical, as the flow rate would drain rainwater instead. pressure-reducing washer to allow more distribution will be limited to a watering the barrel in minutes. Pumps work well water to flow through the hose (bottom can, soaker hose or garden hose. on a large tank, such as the 275-gallon The low water pressure generated from a right). Filling a watering can to water juice container pictured below. Having small rain barrel is not adequate to plants around the yard is always an Water pressure at the tank outlet water pressure of 1025 pounds per operate any type of in-ground sprinkler option. You can also use the water to directly depends on the height or level of square inch and a larger volume of water or low-volume devices, such as mist keep your compost bin moist or to rinse the water that is stored in the tank, so can sustain most low-volume irrigation sprays or inline drip tubing. However, a off gardening tools. water pressure will vary. The higher the devices such as inline drip tubing, mist water level in the tank, the greater the sprays or drip emitters. water pressure will be. Elevating the tank on a platform, such as cinder blocks, can Note: It is important to keep any generate a small increase in pressure for plumbing attachments to your rain barrel any attachments hooked up to the outlet. or cistern independent from your existing For small storage tanks, water pressure is house piping or sprinkler system piping. minimal and not enough to operate most This will prevent a cross-connection to low-volume irrigation devices. To your potable water. Hand water Use to keep generate any workable pressure without plants. compost bin moist. the use of a pump, a tall storage tank or an extremely elevated tank is needed.

Attach a soaker hose to water Remove the pressure- A small submersible pump could be placed nearby reducing washer from inside this 275-gallon juice container. plants. the soaker hose. Using a timer on the pump s power cord could allow you to establish an automatic customized watering schedule.

10 19

How muCH raINwater Linking Multiple If you make the connections at the top, CaN I ColleCt? Barrels Together you will need to have an outlet on each For a general calculation, you can collect As you can see, it doesn t take much rain There are various methods you can use barrel. Once the water level drops below 1 about a half gallon of water per square to fill a small rain barrel. A typical /2-inch to connect rain barrels. The process is the connection pipe, there will be no foot of roof area during a 1-inch rainfall. rainfall event will fill a 50- to 55-gallon similar to making the overflow outlet, but other way for the water to drain out of As an example, a house with a 2,000- barrel. It is a good idea to add an overflow your pipe or hose will lead to another the barrel without an additional outlet. If square-foot roof can collect about 1,000 outlet/pipe near the top of the barrel. This barrel instead of another part of the the connection is made at the bottom, gallons of water (the actual amount of rain will divert any excess water to another part yard. The connections between barrels only one barrel will need an outlet that falls on your roof is about 20 percent more, of the yard, which can reduce the amount can be made at the top or at the bottom. because the water level in the connected but some is lost to evaporation, runoff and of water that settles around the foundation Follow the steps for adding the overflow barrels will drop equally as water is let splashing). This is a substantial amount of of your house. outlet and make the connections with the out. For bottom connections, an outlet water, and a large cistern would be piping or tubing of your choice. You can can also be placed in the pipe or tubing needed to collect all of it. To calculate To store even more rainwater, multiple link as many barrels together as space connecting the barrels, instead of the your volume of water, use only that rain barrels can be linked together with allows. It is still a good idea to put in an barrels themselves. portion of the roof or catchment area that hard PVC or flexible hose. Although you overflow pipe on the last barrel. is actually feeding your storage tank. To can use small diameter pipe or even a get a more accurate figure on the gallons garden hose, large diameter pipe or tubing collected, you would have to take the slope (1.5" 2") will be able to carry more of the roof into account. A roof with a rainwater during a heavy thunderstorm Types of connections: steep slope would collect less rainwater and will prevent water from possibly flexible hose clamped on than a flatter roof, even if they both have backing up the downspout. Steps to PVC fittings (top left), the same square foot area. connect an overflow outlet and link barrels garden hose (top right), together are covered later in this booklet. 2" PVC pipe connected at bottom of barrels (bottom left), 2" PVC pipe connected at top of barrels (bottom right).

Connecting rain barrels together will allow for more water collection.

18 11 raIN barrel CoNstruCtIoN overflows aNd multIPle barrels First decide where to place the storage If you do not have gutters and do not tank. This, along with your budget, will want to add them to the house, the rain Now that you have your first rain barrel Overflow Outlet determine the size of the storage tank. barrel can be placed directly under an installed, you may want to connect an You can use PVC pipe, rubber tubing or Remember, try to obtain the largest tank area of the roof that sheds a lot of water overflow pipe or link multiple barrels even a garden hose as an overflow. In the location will allow. This will enable (such as a valley in the roof). In this case, together. An overflow pipe will carry this example, we will use 2" PVC pipe you to do more things with the water by a screen can be placed over the barrel to excess water that would normally as our overflow. Although smaller having more water volume and possibly keep out debris, small animals and overflow the barrel to another part of piping or hose will work, large more water pressure. insects. This type of barrel can also be the yard or into another rain barrel. diameter piping will handle even the placed in any part of the yard to collect Diverting excess water to another part biggest thunderstorms. When choosing a location, you should falling rain. It will take a lot longer to fill, of your yard can be beneficial by keep in mind how the water is going to but may be more practical if the area reducing the amount of water around get from your catchment area to the you want to water is a good distance the foundation of your house during storage tank. Most rain barrels will be from your house. a rainstorm. 3 placed adjacent to the home to tie into existing downspouts. Placing your storage Elevating the rain barrel on a platform, tank closer to the area you want to water, such as cinder blocks, will give additional 1 such as your garden or planter bed, may water pressure and will provide clearance We first start by drilling 1 provide easier access to the water, but for connecting a hose or filling a watering a 2 /4" hole for may be impractical if long lengths of can. the 2" male adapter. piping are needed to get the water to the Since this is an overflow, A 90-degree elbow and a length storage tank. it will have to be near of 2" PVC pipe are added to carry the top of the barrel. the water away from the house to a nearby planter bed.

2 PVC cement is generally not needed The 2" male because the pieces should fit tightly adapter is screwed together and a little leakage is okay. It in to make the also makes it easier to disassemble the transition to our pieces for cleaning or maintenance, if overflow pipe. necessary. A barrel covered with window screen can be placed under a roof valley to collect rainwater runoff. A good spot for a rain barrel. 12 17 assembly aNd INstallatIoN stePs

Step 5 . Cut barrel opening The following are basic steps on how to Step 1 . Clean the rain barrel Once you have completed your downspout 1 install a rain barrel or similar storage connection, place it in the barrel. If your Be sure to select only food-quality tank on your property. All rain barrels or containers. Do not use containers that barrel comes with a lid, or if it has a cisterns, regardless of size, will have an sealed top, you will need to cut a hole in it. held harsh chemicals. Before installing inlet for the water (usually a gutter your rain barrel, take a few minutes to downspout or similar piping) and an rinse the inside of the barrel. Many outlet (hose spigot, valve, bulkhead Start by tracing the outline of the barrels have food or juice remnants that fitting, etc.). downspout or pipe that will be should be removed before using it to 1 entering the barrel. store water. Use a mixture of /8 cup of bleach and 5 gallons of water as a 2 cleaning solution. Next, cut out the hole you just traced. You can use a handsaw, but a jigsaw works best. Drill holes in each corner to provide access for the saw blade. Cut exactly along your trace line, as this will provide a nice tight fit for the downspout.

1 3 Use /8 cup of bleach mixed with 5 gallons of water to clean the rain barrel.

Put the rain barrel in position and Thoroughly rinse out the place the downspout into the hole. barrel before using. Your rain barrel is now complete.

16 13 Step 2 . Install the outlet barrel. This will provide a few inches of Step 3 . Build a your downspout. In most cases, you can (hose spigot) clearance for attaching a hose or filling a platform for the disassemble the downspout at the gutter In this application, we are going to watering can. This also allows room for barrel by taking out screws or drilling out rivets. 3 debris that enters the barrel, such as This will avoid cutting the gutter or install a /4" hose spigot. For this you Concrete cinder 15 leaves, to settle below the level of the downspout. If you do have to make a cut, will need to drill a /16" hole for the blocks provide a spigot threading. Drill the hole a few outlet, which prevents clogging. strong, stable use a fine-toothed hacksaw blade (24 or inches (4" 6") from the bottom of the platform for your 32 teeth/inch) or a pair of tin snips. Cinderblock platform rain barrel. If you To make the transition from the gutter/ 1 3 use more than one layer of blocks, stack them in a crisscross downspout to your opening in the rain pattern so they won t tip over. Make sure barrel, you can fabricate a crosspiece out the blocks are level and even so that the of downspout material or purchase a barrel will not lean. flexible downspout extender. The flexible downspout extender eliminates the need for exact measurement because it bends Step 4 . Connect downspout to and stretches to the length you need. barrel When the spigot is in about halfway, apply a liberal Make sure the downspout extender fits First, drill hole near amount of PVC cement to the exposed threads. Once you have your barrel positioned the size of your downspout. bottom of barrel. Continue to screw in the spigot until it is snug and and at its set height, you can measure pointing toward the bottom of the barrel. where you need to cut or disconnect 2 4

Next, screw in the hose spigot about halfway. Make sure the threading is going in straight, as this will help prevent leaking. The rain barrel outlet is now complete. Mark downspout Downspout Flexible for cutting. connections downspout extender

14 15 Step 2 . Install the outlet barrel. This will provide a few inches of Step 3 . Build a your downspout. In most cases, you can (hose spigot) clearance for attaching a hose or filling a platform for the disassemble the downspout at the gutter In this application, we are going to watering can. This also allows room for barrel by taking out screws or drilling out rivets. 3 debris that enters the barrel, such as This will avoid cutting the gutter or install a /4" hose spigot. For this you Concrete cinder 15 leaves, to settle below the level of the downspout. If you do have to make a cut, will need to drill a /16" hole for the blocks provide a spigot threading. Drill the hole a few outlet, which prevents clogging. strong, stable use a fine-toothed hacksaw blade (24 or inches (4" 6") from the bottom of the platform for your 32 teeth/inch) or a pair of tin snips. Cinderblock platform rain barrel. If you To make the transition from the gutter/ 1 3 use more than one layer of blocks, stack them in a crisscross downspout to your opening in the rain pattern so they won t tip over. Make sure barrel, you can fabricate a crosspiece out the blocks are level and even so that the of downspout material or purchase a barrel will not lean. flexible downspout extender. The flexible downspout extender eliminates the need for exact measurement because it bends Step 4 . Connect downspout to and stretches to the length you need. barrel When the spigot is in about halfway, apply a liberal Make sure the downspout extender fits First, drill hole near amount of PVC cement to the exposed threads. Once you have your barrel positioned the size of your downspout. bottom of barrel. Continue to screw in the spigot until it is snug and and at its set height, you can measure pointing toward the bottom of the barrel. where you need to cut or disconnect 2 4

14 15 assembly aNd INstallatIoN stePs

1 3 Use /8 cup of bleach mixed with 5 gallons of water to clean the rain barrel.

Put the rain barrel in position and Thoroughly rinse out the place the downspout into the hole. barrel before using. Your rain barrel is now complete.

16 13 raIN barrel CoNstruCtIoN overflows aNd multIPle barrels First decide where to place the storage If you do not have gutters and do not tank. This, along with your budget, will want to add them to the house, the rain Now that you have your first rain barrel Overflow Outlet determine the size of the storage tank. barrel can be placed directly under an installed, you may want to connect an You can use PVC pipe, rubber tubing or Remember, try to obtain the largest tank area of the roof that sheds a lot of water overflow pipe or link multiple barrels even a garden hose as an overflow. In the location will allow. This will enable (such as a valley in the roof). In this case, together. An overflow pipe will carry this example, we will use 2" PVC pipe you to do more things with the water by a screen can be placed over the barrel to excess water that would normally as our overflow. Although smaller having more water volume and possibly keep out debris, small animals and overflow the barrel to another part of piping or hose will work, large more water pressure. insects. This type of barrel can also be the yard or into another rain barrel. diameter piping will handle even the placed in any part of the yard to collect Diverting excess water to another part biggest thunderstorms. When choosing a location, you should falling rain. It will take a lot longer to fill, of your yard can be beneficial by keep in mind how the water is going to but may be more practical if the area reducing the amount of water around get from your catchment area to the you want to water is a good distance the foundation of your house during storage tank. Most rain barrels will be from your house. a rainstorm. 3 placed adjacent to the home to tie into existing downspouts. Placing your storage Elevating the rain barrel on a platform, tank closer to the area you want to water, such as cinder blocks, will give additional 1 such as your garden or planter bed, may water pressure and will provide clearance We first start by drilling 1 provide easier access to the water, but for connecting a hose or filling a watering a 2 /4" hole for may be impractical if long lengths of can. the 2" male adapter. piping are needed to get the water to the Since this is an overflow, A 90-degree elbow and a length storage tank. it will have to be near of 2" PVC pipe are added to carry the top of the barrel. the water away from the house to a nearby planter bed.

Connecting rain barrels together will allow for more water collection.

18 11 uses for ColleCted water 5 . Water Distribution If a large area is to be watered using a If you currently have a standard soaker hose or a length of PVC pipe or Getting the water to your plants is the large storage tank, adding a small pump irrigation system, you may be able to garden hose with holes punched in it final step of the rainwater collection may be an option to consider. Installing a turn off sprinkler zones that are in may work with these low pressures. system. Due to low water pressure from pump on a small rain barrel would be planter beds or gardens and use stored If using a soaker hose, take out the most rain barrel applications, water impractical, as the flow rate would drain rainwater instead. pressure-reducing washer to allow more distribution will be limited to a watering the barrel in minutes. Pumps work well water to flow through the hose (bottom can, soaker hose or garden hose. on a large tank, such as the 275-gallon The low water pressure generated from a right). Filling a watering can to water juice container pictured below. Having small rain barrel is not adequate to plants around the yard is always an Water pressure at the tank outlet water pressure of 1025 pounds per operate any type of in-ground sprinkler option. You can also use the water to directly depends on the height or level of square inch and a larger volume of water or low-volume devices, such as mist keep your compost bin moist or to rinse the water that is stored in the tank, so can sustain most low-volume irrigation sprays or inline drip tubing. However, a off gardening tools. water pressure will vary. The higher the devices such as inline drip tubing, mist water level in the tank, the greater the sprays or drip emitters. water pressure will be. Elevating the tank on a platform, such as cinder blocks, can Note: It is important to keep any generate a small increase in pressure for plumbing attachments to your rain barrel any attachments hooked up to the outlet. or cistern independent from your existing For small storage tanks, water pressure is house piping or sprinkler system piping. minimal and not enough to operate most This will prevent a cross-connection to low-volume irrigation devices. To your potable water. Hand water Use to keep generate any workable pressure without plants. compost bin moist. the use of a pump, a tall storage tank or an extremely elevated tank is needed.

10 19 examPles of CIsterNs aNd raIN barrels 4 . Filtration Although a screen will keep out most In 1996, a 15,000-gallon cistern was Generally, rainwater does not need to debris, a small amount of debris will get constructed at Hillsborough County s be filtered for outdoor use. As water into the storage tank. It is a good idea main courthouse. This project was sheds off a roof or other catchment to clean the tank periodically to avoid a approved by the Board of County area, it may pick up leaf debris, bird large buildup of debris on the bottom. Commissioners, with cooperative funding droppings or chemical agents from the If using a submersible pump inside the provided by the Southwest Florida Water roof material, but these are not harmful storage tank, a filter will be required Management District. This cistern Hydria to plants. A simple screen mesh, such as to keep the pump from clogging. The demonstration project is named cistern window screen or wire mesh, to keep out pump should come with its own filter or Hydria, the Greek word for water jar. leaf debris and insects is all the filtration screen, or with instructions on how to Rainwater is collected from the that is needed. This can be placed where make one. The filter may require routine courthouse roof and is stored in an One cistern is used for irrigation, the the water enters the conveyance system maintenance, so easy access to the pump underground tank. Water-using items, other for irrigation and flushing toilets. (guttering) or just before the storage tank will be a necessity. such as garden hoses, spigots and The cisterns are one component of the (downspouts or tank opening). watering cans are in the base of the Florida House s public education efforts cistern. This cistern was designed to that teach about water and energy supply water to the surrounding conservation, recycling principles and landscape. products, and healthy house concepts, including least toxic building materials. The Florida House Learning Center in Contact information is at the back of this Sarasota, Florida, has two cisterns that booklet. each hold 2,500 gallons of rainwater.

20 9 2 . Conveyance System below ground. Some materials used for Many county Extension offices have rain Once the catchment area has been storage tank construction are plastic, barrel demonstration exhibits where you identified, the next step is to transport fiberglass, concrete and metal. So water can see examples of rain barrels that any that water into the storage tank. With a will not leak out, the material should homeowner can install. The Extension roof catchment area, a guttering system be smooth and nonporous. Storage tanks offices also provide an abundance of is the easiest. All this may require is can be elaborate concrete structures or information on plants, gardening, modifying the existing guttering system simple plastic containers like garbage composting and water conservation. to divert the downspouts into the storage cans or barrels. Most county Extension offices offer tank. Remember to keep any gutter or workshops on all of these subjects. Hillsborough downspout modifications sloping Most storage tanks are placed above ground to take advantage of the force of County Extension downward toward the storage tank. Service has a Large diameter PVC pipe, rubber hose gravity. A below-ground tank requires a pump to get the water out. This increases demonstration or tubing can also be used. rain barrel. the cost and maintenance of the 3 . Storage Tank system. A storage tank can be made of various materials and can be located above or

8 21 PaINtINg your raIN barrel ComPoNeNts of a raINwater ColleCtIoN system When it comes to being creative, you re Regardless of what type of paint you only limited by your imagination! choose, it is a good idea to apply one or Whether you install a large concrete Painting your rain barrel is not only fun, two coats of polyurethane to your finished cistern or a small plastic rain barrel, the but it will also help to protect the surface barrel to protect it. following basic components are involved of the barrel from breaking down due to in every rainwater collection system: the harsh effects of the sun. Painting a To prime your barrel: rain barrel is a great activity for children 1. Thoroughly clean the exterior surface of 1 . Catchment Area and can introduce them to the the barrel by wiping away excess dirt and 2 . Conveyance System importance of conserving water. grime with a clean rag soaked in a 1:1 3 . Storage Tank mixture of vinegar and water. 4 . Filtration Outdoor acrylics and spray paint work 2. Using a fine- to medium-grade sandpaper, 5 . Water Distribution well, but the barrel must first be primed rough up the surface of the barrel. so these materials adhere properly to the This helps the paint adhere to the plastic 1 . Catchment Area surface. A product on the market is a barrel. A catchment area can be any area that spray paint designed specifically for 3. With a dry cloth, wipe the barrel again to collects or sheds rainwater. A roof is outdoor plastic furniture, but it will work get rid of any fine plastic shavings. the most common and adaptable area on almost any plastic surface. The benefit 4. Apply one coat of outdoor primer. to use for rainwater collection. Due to to this product is that the barrel does not Primer is typically white, but it can be its already existing slope and height, a have to be primed before applying the A roof makes mixed with another paint color or tinted roof makes a perfect catchment area by spray paint. If using spray paint but need a perfect to match the final design color of the using gravity to direct the water. Most to paint small details, spray some paint catchment area. barrel. Allow the primer to dry according homes and commercial buildings are into a small cup, making a liquid puddle. to the directions on the container. equipped with a guttering system that This paint can be brushed on. can easily be adapted to funnel water Now the barrel can be painted any way to a storage tank. If guttering does not Other forms of catchment areas may you like by stencil, a pattern, freehand, exist, it can be added to the side of the include sidewalks, driveways and natural etc. Allow the paint to dry completely house or building that will be used for or man-made swales or berms in the before applying one to two coats of rainwater collection. This can be done at landscape that can direct the flow of polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to a relatively low cost. rainwater to a storage tank. dry between coats. This barrel was painted to match the house color. 22 7 beNefIts of a raIN barrel frequeNtly asked questIoNs

6 23 INtroduCtIoN

24 5 resourCes

This barrel supplier has hundreds of barrels in varying sizes available to the public.

4 25 CoNtaCt INformatIoN table of CoNteNts

Components of a Rainwater Collection System ...... 7 For more information on water conservation, contact any of the following agencies: How Much Rainwater Can I Collect? ...... 11 .

26 3 Notes

Make your own notations as you build your water storage system:

2 27 RAIN BARRELS A HOMEOWNER S GUIDE

VISPT 08-11