Rain barrels collect and store water flowing from the roof and out of the downspouts. Water conservation, especially in the summer in Metro Vancouver, helps to protect the environment, encourages eco-friendly gardening habits, and saves money. Benefits of using rain barrels for non-potable applications include improving soil health, and increasing property values.
Legal in BC
While there are States in the US that don’t allow rain harvesting, there are no federal laws in Canada prohibiting it for non-potable uses. However, there are provincial bylaws that outline specific restrictions and regulation for rain harvesting. Municipalities in Metro Vancouver also have their own bylaws regarding rain barrels and harvested rainwater for potable (drinking, etc.) uses.
Non-Potable Uses for Harvested Rainwater
Indoor and outdoor non-potable uses for rainwater include:
- Composting
- Watering flowerbeds and lawns
- Watering houseplants and indoor herb gardens
- Watering vegetable gardens
- Washing vehicles
- Bathing pets
- Cleaning equipment
- Cleaning siding or the gutters
- Hosing down the driveway
When using unfiltered and/or untreated non-potable water for anything edible (indoor herb or outdoor vegetable gardens), only soak the soil and not the edible parts of the plants. Use caution when cleaning pieces of equipment with motors; particles in the rainwater could clog the engine.
Buying Rain Barrels
Rain barrels come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles with different features designed to meet specific landscaping needs.
Size: For residential use, rain barrels range in size from 50 to 100 gallons. Select the size of a rain barrel based on the square footage of your roof and the amount of rain that falls when it rains. For example, a 1000 square foot roof can shed 300 gallons of water during a ½” rainfall. To utilize the available water from your roof for non-potable purposes, you might need several, depending on the size you choose.
Material: The most popular material for rain barrels is thick, high-grade plastics because they are easy to maintain and lightweight. Wood rain barrels are commonly constructed of oak, hickory, cedar, and beechwood. While galvanized steel rain barrels are available, they are typically used for permanent, large-scale storage applications.
Styles: Select a rain barrel style that fits with your gutters, home exterior, and landscaping plan. Styles include, rain barrel-planter combo, flat back, collapsible, and decorative (designed to be a landscaping focal point).
Features: Choose features that will increase the convenience and functionality of your rain barrels. These include debris screens, child-and-pet proof lids, overflow valves, pumps, shut-off valves, hose hook-ups, linkability, and hoses.
Tips for Using Rain Barrels
How are you installing your rain barrel? If the downspouts are to feed directly into the rain barrels, the pipe will have to be shortened and the downspout elbow reattached to accommodate the height of the barrel.
Another method of installing rain barrels is to use a downspout diverter: the rain barrel is positioned slightly to the side and a hole is drilled into the downspout to make room for the diverter and the hose that connects it to the rain barrel. During a rainfall, after the barrel fills to capacity, the diverter kicks in and directs the overflow runoff into the downspouts.
You can use a downspout diverter when you are liking more than one rain barrel together.
If you have several downspouts, choose the downspout that is out of sight but is still in a convenient location related to how the rainwater will be used – close to the flowerbeds, near the driveway where you’ll wash vehicles, accessible for cleaning the siding or the gutters.
Keep the lid firmly in place – allowing in air and sunlight can encourage bacteria and algae growth.
Use a screen to keep out mosquitoes and other type of insects attracted to water. Make sure it is secure and fits properly.
Regularly clean any filters that are a component of your rain barrel.
Every so often, check for leaks. After active storms, inspect rain barrels for any damage.
