Rain barrels are containers connected to downspouts to collect and store rainwater runoff from the roof. Rain barrels can vary in size, shape, and material to fit the unique aspect of each building. Rainwater collected in a rain barrel can be used for many activities, including watering plants (gardens, lawn), washing your car, and other non-potable water needs. 

Rain barrels provide many benefits, including;  

• Conserve water:  Storing rainwater for non-potable uses can conserve up to 30% of your household water consumption.
  
  
• Reduction in water bills. Using water collected from rain barrels, saves the amount of water you use from the tap or faucet.  One inch of rain on a 1000 sq ft roof yields over 620 gallons of water.
  
  
• Grow healthier plants. Using rainwater on lawns and houseplants will promote plant health. Rainwater is highly oxygenated, while municipal tap water contains chlorine which can be harmful to your plants.
  
  
• Reduction in stormwater runoff and non-point source pollution.  Rain barrels capture rainwater from the roof that would otherwise become runoff and flow over non-permeable surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and roads. Without rain barrels, rain water flows and collects pollutants, such as soil, fertilizer, pesticides, litter, and other chemicals, that then flows and drains into municipal storm water systems.
  
  
• Earn Stormwater Utility Credits: Property owners who install rain barrels may be eligible to earn stormwater utility credits. For specific information, visit the stormwater utility and stormwater utility credit program webpages.