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Affordable, Upcycled
Rain Barrels Now Available from the District |
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Why harvest rainwater
with rain barrels? |
Helps Reduce Stormwater Pollution
Rainwater stored in rain barrels helps reduce the amount
of stormwater runoff and the amount of pollutants that
are picked up and carried to storm sewers, creeks and
rivers.
Save Money
Using the water from your roof reduces the amount of
water you pay for!
Conserves Water Supply Resources
Rainwater used from rain barrels helps reduce the amount
of water used from underground aquifers and community /
municipal supplies.
Better for Plants and Gardens
Rainwater stored in rain barrels is naturally soft water
and devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other
chemicals. For this reason, plants respond very well to
rainwater. After all, it’s what plants in the wild
thrive on!
Helps Inform Your Neighbors
One of the best reasons to start harvesting rainwater
with rain barrels is to teach and encourage others to do
the same. You will help to spread the culture of
rainwater collection and in turn, help your larger
community and the environment. It is always important to
remember that every living thing on the planet needs
water to survive so, we as humans must expand our idea
of community to the plants and animals that surround us. |
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Using rain barrel
water |
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Water your
flowers, trees, shrubs, and lawn.
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Wash your car; rinse
tools or muddy boots.
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DO NOT DRINK WATER from
your rain barrel.
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DO NOT COOK OR BATHE with
water from your rain barrel.
All barrels are made
from re-cycled food grade barrels. The rain barrels have
a screw on top with drainage holes, screen mesh to keep
out debris and mosquitoes, an overflow male hose
connection, a spigot and another connection to attach
additional barrels. Styles & shades may vary with
supply. |
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Rain barrel
instructions |
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It is a good idea to put
your barrel up on a flat, stable platform (wood
pedestal, concrete blocks, landscaping blocks or other
solid support). The added height increases the water
pressure and allows you to put a bucket under the spigot
to bring water to your indoor plants. A full 55 gallon
rain barrel weighs over 450 pounds.
Provide overflow hose to direct water to a vegetated
area, away from your house foundation, for times of high
rainfall.
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Locate and install your
rain barrel to keep kids safe. Keep your rain barrel lid
tight at all times to prevent children, animals and
insects from entering or falling in.
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Measure and cut the
downspout. (Keep the cut off for reattachment in the
winter). Use existing elbow or a flexible elbow
attachment to direct water to the top of the barrel. The
end of the downspout should be cut 2-3 inches above the
top of the barrel. Downspouts can be cut with a hacksaw.
Flexible elbows can be purchased at hardware stores,
home centers or from the District. Most homeowners do
not require a flexible elbow. However, you may choose to
use a flexible elbow to hide a barrel around the corner
of your building.
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In Fall, open spigot and
unscrew connector cap to drain barrel. Store as is, flip
over or bring inside. If removing from the downspout,
replace downspout you saved for the Winter.
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Diverters can switch
downspout from filling to normal operation once the
barrel is full. Fits 2x3 inch downspout. |
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Preventing Mosquitoes |
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Your rain barrel will be
equipped with a mosquito screen under the lid to keep
mosquitoes and other insects out. |
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Place your barrel on a pervious (landscaped) surface so
that overflow water soaks into the ground instead of
pooling on paved surfaces.
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Keep your rain barrel lid tightly closed.
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Keep your barrel free of
organic material.
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During the rainy season,
every 3-4 days splash off any water that may collect on
top of the barrel. Mosquitoes need at least 4 days of
standing water to develop as larva.
If you believe mosquitoes are breeding in your rain
barrel, empty your barrel completely by opening the
spigot at bottom. Only tip when draining is complete and
barrel is nearly empty. This will kill all mosquito
larvae that may be in your barrel. |
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If your mosquito netting
is intact and there are no leaks where mosquitoes can
enter the barrel, your rain barrel should be
mosquito-free. |
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Disclaimer |
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With proper installation,
maintenance and use, your rain barrel should function
properly. The North Cook County Soil and Water
Conservation District assumes no liability for the
installation, maintenance, property damage or injury
associated with your rain barrel. |
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