What is a Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to a storm drain or out onto your property. The water in the rain barrel can then be used for watering your landscape.

Why use a Rain Barrel?

Rain barrels work day in and day out to keep rainwater out of storm drains and sewers. Why is this important? Every time it rains, unabsorbed water rushes to storm drains and directly into our local waterways. Often times this runoff carries with it pollutants it has picked up along the way.

How much water will you collect in your rain barrel?  

Believe it or not, for every inch of rain that falls on a catchment area of 1,000 square feet, you can expect to collect approximately 600 gallons of rainwater. Ten inches of rain falling on a 1,000 square foot catchment area will generate about 6,000 gallons of rainwater! That's right, 6,000 gallons! More than you were expecting?

However, rainwater-harvesting systems aren't necessarily 100% efficient. Most sources estimate efficiency between 70% and 90%. All rainwater-harvesting systems lose some of the rainwater. It may spill out of the gutters or the wind may blow it away. Evaporation will undoubtedly affect some of it. To maximize your collection of rainwater, you can use out buildings such as barns and sheds. 

Annual Rain Barrel Yard Art Campaign

Local artists donated their time and talent to transform rain barrels into functional yard art. Rain barrels are on display around the County and are available to be bid on at the locations shown on the below flyer or by e-mailing or mailing in the below form.  These barrels will then be sold via live auction at the 2011 Annual Dinner Meeting. Geauga SWCD also sells undecorated rain barrels at their annual Tree Sale.  Please call (440)834-1122 for more information.

2011 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2010 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

2009 Decorated Rain Barrels and Auction Flyer

Rain Barrels For Sale

Geauga SWCD will now be selling rain barrels throughout the year!   These clay colored, 50 gallon barrels are made from recycled polypropylene food grade barrels and have a spigot for easy watering.  They have lid that screws on and off and a screen to deter mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the water.  Each barrel weighs approximately 18 lbs. They are 34.5 inches high and 23 inches in diameter.

Barrels cost $80.00 each can be picked up at the Geauga SWCD Office at 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, Ohio 44021.

Orders can be placed by calling 440-834-1122 x0 or by emailing the District at clair@geaugaswcd.com.  

Below are some links where downspout diverters may be purchased that fit the application you need.

www.aquabarrel.com

www.simplyrainbarrels.com

www.rain2O.com

www.rainreserve.com