Rain Barrels FAQs

Bayside Rain Barrels Helping to Save the Chesapeake Bay... One Rain Barrel at a Time
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Is rain barrel water drinkable? NO! What can the rain water be used for? Plants, flowers, gardens, shrubs, birdbaths, house plants, vegetables, and fruit trees. Rain water does not contain minerals often found in well water or chemicals found in municipal water services and is often referred to as soft water. Rain barrels help reduce the amount of run off water which collects materials that pollute creeks and rivers and the Chesapeake Bay (east coast).
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Can a soaker hose be used with the rain barrel? Yes, the barrel will provide just the right pressure for a soaker hose used on level ground or slightly downhill from the barrel. The barrel does not have enough pressure to use a sprinkler.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	What is the purpose of the overflow ports on the sides of the barrel? In a normal rain, the barrel fills very quickly. A one inch rain over a 1000 square foot area will produce over 625 gallons of water. The overflow ports allow a standard garden hose to be connected to the barrel to drain the excess water into nearby shrubs and plantings to prevent the water from gathering at the foundation of your home.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Will special fittings be needed to connect to the barrel? The overflow ports and the brass faucet are made to connect with a standard garden hose. The barrel has these openings molded into the plastic. Each is drilled, tapped and threaded with a one half to full inch of plastic to securely hold the fittings. Unlike some rain barrels, no glue is needed to hold the fittings in place. So a damaged fitting can easily be replaced with a part from your local hardware store.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Can rain barrels be connected together? Yes, either type can be connected together. Instructions come with the barrels.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Do the rain barrels come in any colors other than dark green? Dark colors prevents sunlight from entering the barrel, unlike white or blue barrels. Without sunlight, algae and other organisms cannot flourish in the barrel.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Can the rain barrel be used in winter? A barrel located with southern exposure will usually stay ice free in moderate winters.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	Why does the barrel need to be set on cinder blocks or landscape stones? First, these level materials help stabilize a barrel which can weight over 500 pounds when full of water. The barrel can also be set on driveway concrete or a patio. Raising the barrel also permits easier attachment of a hose to the faucet.
Rain Barrel FAQ's	How far can a garden hose drain water from a rain barrel? One customer has over 400 feet of hose from the rain barrel at his house to the soaker hose used in his garden. Will a rain barrel water my lawn? A full 60 gallon rain barrel will cover no more than a 10 foot by 10 foot lawn.
Other Rain Barrel Resources	Create A Rain Barrel From A Trash Can