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Why should you use a rain barrel? back to main menu

Rain barrels help slow down rain runoff so it can drain naturally into the ground. That helps us keep excess water out of sewer systems and keeps rain runoff from collecting pollutants on its trip to nearby waterways.

Collected rainwater is better for plants because it's not chlorinated although it is mildly acidic, which helps plants take up important minerals from the soil.

They can provide water during dry weather, or you can set them to slowly release the water over a 1- 2 day period when the rains have subsided. The slower release of rain will allow the water to seep into the soil and be used by plants.

Rain barrel programs are being implemented in communities across North America, including: Portland, Oregon; Toronto, Ontario; Dearborn, Michigan; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Seattle, Washington; and Boston, Massachusetts.