Benefits of Adding Rain Barrels to Your Rain Gutter System

Rain barrels are increasingly popular additions to landscape designs and rain gutter systems in Canadian homes. Whether using a simple or complex rainwater collection system, there is growing awareness of the importance of managing rainwater efficiently on residential properties. Below are several reasons to consider installing rain barrels.

1. Set a Custom Watering Schedule

Many regions experience heatwaves and water bans each summer, limiting the amount of water you can use for your plants and lawn. However, with rain barrels, you can use collected rainwater to water your garden. Just be mindful that rainwater collected from certain roofs and gutters may not be suitable for consumption, so take caution when using it on edible plants.

2. Reduces Dependence on Municipal Water

Water from municipal systems can be expensive and may be available in limited quantities during certain times of the year. Installing your own rainwater collection system helps reduce reliance on municipal water supplies, saving you money in the long run.

3. Manages Humidity Around the Foundation and Diverts Water Strategically

Rain barrels collect rainwater from your rain gutter system, preventing it from pooling around your home’s foundation. This helps control the direction of the water flow and reduces the risk of water infiltration into the foundation, protecting your home from potential damage.

4. Minimizes Water Sent to the Sewage System and Treatment Facilities

During rainfall, large amounts of water are directed to municipal sewage systems. By collecting rainwater from your gutter system, you can reduce the amount of water that needs to be treated by the municipality. While the water may not be suitable for drinking, it is ideal for watering plants or filling water features like fountains or basins. On a larger scale, this could significantly reduce the volume of water municipalities need to process unnecessarily.

5. Reduces Water Pollution

Rainwater runs across the ground and eventually flows into lakes, rivers, or streams, often carrying pollutants. By collecting rainwater, you help mitigate some of the negative effects of water pollution, as less polluted water makes its way into local water sources.

Conclusion

Installing rain barrels to your rain gutter system offers a variety of benefits, from reducing water consumption to protecting your home’s foundation. It's an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to managing rainwater efficiently.