Rain Barrels
Rain Barrels can be ordered from the Conservation District Office or by mail. Products arrive in 2-3 weeks if not in stock. Pick-up will be at the District Office unless notified otherwise.
See the Order Form for current prices and products available.
What Is A Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from roofs that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains, streams and rivers.
Rain barrels from Upcycle Products are made from recycled food-grade, high density polyethylene plastic that have been thoroughly cleaned and assembled in the USA.
- Barrels have a screw-on top with holes for water entry and aluminum screen to keep out leaves, debris and mosquitoes.
- They have a hose shutoff valve to connect a hose or to fill a watering can; an overflow fitting & cap; and a linking fitting & cap to connect additional barrels.
- Only one downspout is needed for most applications.
- Barrels come in several sizes and colors for various locations.
- Recommended placement is 12" high using an optional pedestal, cement blocks or other materials.
- Barrels are designed to leave outside all year around.
- Use instructions are provided.
- Rain barrels are made from recycled barrels, so they may have surface blemishes, such as markings, scrapes, scratches, small dents or gouges. These do not affect the operation or use of the rain barrels.
What Are The Advantages of Using A Rain Barrel?
It Saves You Money
A rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months which not only protects the environment, but saves you money and energy with decreased demand for treated tap water.
Helps Reduce Stormwater Pollution
Rainwater stored in rain barrels helps reduce the amount of stormwater runoff and the amount of pollutants that are picked up and carried to storm sewers, streams and rivers.
Conserves Water
Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel collects and stores water for periods of drought.
Better for Plants and Gardens
Rainwater is naturally soft water, devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. This makes it ideal for watering gardens, flowers, washing windows and cars.
What Color Rain Barrel Should I Choose?
Black
A neutral color that looks great with green plants and trees in your garden. They hide well behind deciduous trees and bushes and won't clash with any color house.
Blue
A good choice if you would like to paint your rain barrel. They are the perfect blue for the sky and water of any landscape picture. All our barrels can be painted with any paint approved for use on plastics.
Gray
Also a neutral color that looks great with green plants and trees and hides well behind deciduous trees and bushes. Won't clash with any color house.
Terra-Cotta
The perfect color to match terra-cotta planters and hanging pots. Blends in well with red brick homes.
30-gallon Blue
Intended for homeowners or apartment dwellers with a balcony. When full, it will weigh less than 300 pounds per square foot (water weighs 8 ½ lbs. per gallon).
Accessories for Rain Barrels
- Automatic Diverter is available for connecting rain barrels to downspouts. When it rains, some water will flow from the diverter, through the hose to the barrel and some water will also continue to flow down the lower section of the downspout. When the rain barrel is full, then all the water will flow down the downspout. A 55 gal. rain barrel will take about 1 hour to fill with a Diverter installed (15-20 minutes without). Using the Diverter eliminates the need for an overflow hose to be connected to the barrel and routed to an overflow location. Sizes to fit 2" X 3" or 3" X 4" downspouts, hose included. Installation instructions also provided.
Pedestal Riser made from recycled Western Red Cedar or White Cedar. No pressure treated lumber is used.
Common Questions
Continue with our Common Questions page for more information about rain barrels.
Disclaimer
With proper installation, maintenance and use, rain barrels should function properly. The Washtenaw County Conservation District assumes no liability for the installation, maintenance, property damage or injury that may be associated with the use of rain barrels.