Rain Barrels
Rain Barrel Fact Sheet 
PDF 59K
Though an ancient practice, rainwater collection is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Many urban dwellers are now realizing the benefits of harvesting rainwater by installing catchment systems under their downspouts. These are called rain barrels. See a photo of a Lawrence rain barrel here! (135K)
Benefits include:
Cost-effective alternative to using tap water for watering yards and gardens
Better plant growth when watered with rainwater
Decreased erosion in your downspout area
Rain barrels can reach plants not otherwise near a spigot
Reduces peak volume and velocity of stormwater runoff to streams and storm sewer systems
Less chemicals and energy spent to process municipal water for your plants
Buy a Rain Barrel
The Rain Drop, a locally owned and operated business, has 52-57gallon pre-assembled rain barrels of varying colors (dark blue, gray, black, and white) and heights for sale. They have a rain barrel on display at Cottins hardware store; 1832 Massachusetts in Lawrence. Call Jason Williams at (785) 423-1813 or email him for more information.
Orscheln Farm & Home, 1541 E. 23rd St. in Lawrence, has 35 gallon pre-assembled white plastic rain barrels in stock. They also sell the 35 gallon capacity plastic food grade barrels. Call 842-4728 for more information.
Bridging the Gap a Kansas City based non-profit sells 55 gallon capacity plastic barrels and offer rain barrel construction classes. Please visit their website for more information.
Workshops
The City of Lawrence held a series of Rain Barrel Workshops in spring 2006. The workshops offered information on the technical and operational features of a rain barrel and the benefits of water conservation, followed by hands-on construction of one's own rain barrel. All materials were provided.
Click here to view the Class Photo PDF 57K
At this time we do not have any rain barrel classes scheduled for the foreseeable future. However, if you would like to be added to a list of people interested in rain barrel classes, please e-mail us with your name, address and phone number and we will contact you if our program schedule changes.
Bridging The Gap, a 501(c)(3) agency in Kansas City offers Rain Barrel Workshops. Please visit their website for more information.
Winterization
To prevent damage to the components, rain barrels should be winterized before freezing weather.
To winterize your rain barrel:
Remove all water from the barrel
Turn the barrel over
Prevent water from pooling in the upside-down spigot by taping or bagging
Weigh the barrel down to prevent it from blowing over
Click here to see a photo of a winterized rain barrel. PDF 93K
Another option is to store your barrel in a shed or garage over the winter.
If you wish to direct winter moisture away from your home's foundation, flexible downspout extensions are available at many hardware stores. Downspout diverters are another option. Diverters attach to a downspout and act as a "Y". With the lever in one position, water is directed into a rain barrel. Turn the lever the other way to direct water into a longer downspout. Such devices are available online or through local guttering businesses.
Planning and Assembly
Planning
Choose a location for your barrel. Consider which downspout(s) you would like to divert into the barrel, and the proximity to plants needing water. Next, think about where the water that comes out of the overflow hose of the rain barrel will go. It may simply go where the downspout had directed water previously. Or, you may want to direct the overflow hose into a nearby compost bin or second rain barrel, etc..
Another thing to consider is whether or not you may want to elevate your rain barrel in order to increase water pressure. Caution: full barrels will weigh approximately 400 pounds. Elevation may be achieved by simply choosing a location naturally higher than the plants you wish to water, or by selecting a very sturdy, stable base on which to place your rain barrel.
Finally, if you are assembling your own barrel, you will want to determine at what height to place your spigot. Place it high enough to fit your favorite watering can or bucket underneath, or attach a hose easily. The lower you place the spigot, however, the more water you will be able to draw from the barrel.
Assembly
The City of Lawrence chose to utilize plastic 55-gallon barrels as the basic component of its rain barrels. Click below for complete assembly instructions.
Rain Barrel Assembly
PDF 156 K | Requires Acrobat Reader
Care of your rain barrel
Standing water can be a favourable place for mosquitoes. Please take these precautions to reduce mosquito breeding habitat.
- Keep a piece of fine mesh secured around opening of barrel.
- Keep your barrel free of organic material.
- One tablespoon of olive oil in your water will keep mosquitoes from breeding in the barrel.
Water quality – Please do not use as a potable water source. Children and pets should not be allowed to drink water from the rain barrel.
Winter care of your rain barrel
- In cold weather, take your rain barrel out of operation. When water freezes, it expands, possibly cracking your barrel or hose.
- Disconnect your rain barrel for the winter months. Store upside down so it will fully drain and remain relatively clean.
