What is a Rain Barrel?
A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from your rooftop which can be used for a variety of non-potable uses including:
watering your indoor plants and outdoor landscape. Using a rain barrel is a great first step to healthier rivers and streams in Northern Michigan.
Healthier Plants and Lawns
Rainwater is naturally soft. It is more
oxygenated, contains almost no dissolved minerals or salts, is free of chemical treatment, and is a relatively reliable source of water for households. It also lowers the pH of soil, giving plants and lawns more access to nutrients. Rainwater collected on site can supplement or replace other sources of household water.
Environmentally Friendly
Rain barrels help slow down rain runoff so it can drain naturally into the ground. It also assists in keeping excess water out of sewer systems and keeps rain runoff from collecting pollutants (fertilizers, pet waste, salt, gas, oil, etc.) as it flows to nearby waterways.