Rain Barrel

Instead of using municipality treated tap water on your garden and lawn, use rain water collected through a rain barrel. You save money on your water and energy bills and it is good for the environment.  The City's Eco Centre sells rain barrels for $65.

Why use a rain barrel? 

• Reduces water consumption and diverts run-off
• Saves money on your utility bill
• Reduces energy demand on the local water distribution system
• Environmentally friendly landscaping practice

Setting up your rain barrel

• Locate a downspout most convenient for barrel placement.
• Avoid locations with gas, power, or water meters.
• Place rain barrel below downspout approximately 2 metres away from the house foundation.
• Raise barrel to 350 mm (12 to 16 inches) in height (to maximize water pressure) by placing it on a smooth level surface such as plywood, cement block, or compacted ground.
• Secure the empty barrel so that it won’t tip in a wind storm.
• Position downspout to fit into screen opening.
• Install the overflow connection/hose into threaded hole near the top of the rain barrel.
• Install the brass tap into threaded fitting near bottom of the rain barrel.

Maintenance

• Clean the screen periodically to remove leaves and debris. 
• To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your barrel, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or dish soap to the water every 6 to 9 days.
• In the fall, before the temperatures dip below freezing, drain the barrel and leave the valve open. Turn it upside down and move it away from the downspout or store in a covered location. Ice in the barrel can damage it. At the same time, replace the downspout extension to direct water away from your foundation.

Safety reminders

• Don't let children or pets play on or around the barrel.
• Keep the lid on the barrel at all times to keep insects, pets, wildlife, and children out.