The Benefits of Installing a Rain Barrel
It rains almost every day during the summers in Florida, and though the water is good for your yard, there is a way to make it even better. As your energy efficient home builders in Tampa, we know that starting your own water conservation system is easy to do, and will save some of your water usage. Rain barrels are simple and efficient, and can be purchased for a very low cost and will help you to collect and recycle rainwater. A rain barrel is a large container that captures rainwater at the end of your downspout. About a quarter-inch of rain will yield about 200 gallons of water, and the barrel can be filled within minutes during a summer storm. The water savings from using stored rainwater can be very significant over a period of time, and can also help reduce the amount of water that may settle around the foundation of your home, which is beneficial to every home buyer. Rain barrels can be found at Lowes, Home Depot, or Amazon.
As your green home builders in Tampa, we know that these are some of the main things a rain barrel will do for you as a homeowner:
- Reduce your water bill
- Help your garden grow and flourish
- Lower stress on your water supply
- Preserve water quality
USES FOR COLLECTED RAINWATER
Using recycled water will not only save you money and conserve your home’s water usage, but will help keep the exterior of your green home in Tampa fresh and bright. The uses for stored rainwater are unlimited. You can connect to a soaker hose and wash your car and water the lawn, fill a watering can and hand water plants and flower beds and water your compost bin to keep it moist. You can even use recycled water in your home to take showers and do the laundry and dishes. Recycled water will also reduce use of potable water, reduce erosion, and reduce stormwater runoff.
Managing Stormwater
Reducing and managing stormwater runoff can be very beneficial for you. Stormwater flows from roofs, streets, and parking lots during storms. Stormwater contributes to floods, pollution, and more. If you are able to manage your stormwater, you are able to help reduce these damaging effects.