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Once a barrel of bourbon, now a rain barrel! Photo: Aaron’s Rain Barrels

As we sit through one of the stormiest, snowiest, wettest winters in recent memory, it’s easy to forget about the need to conserve water in hot summer months. But with many parts of the country experiencing multi-year droughts and already planning to ration water, just shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth isn’t going to be enough!

If you’re dreading a brown lawn this June and July, or if you’re hoping to plant an organic garden to rival First Lady Michelle Obama’s at the White House, rain barrels might be the best and easiest solution for you.

Most barrels come equipped with an attached hose to make it easy to use the collected water, and a screen to keep out leaves and other debris. Many are also set up to make it easy to expand your water collection system with additional barrels. They range from basic to (surprisingly) appealing — some might even make your yard look better! Your choice of rain barrels includes:

Basic 54 Gallon Rain Catcher Barrel from Home Depot:
This is the functional choice: made of green plastic, sturdy, and the price is right at $139. It comes with an attachment system, if you want to expand to multiple barrels. It’s easy to use with an attached hose and a thumb valve to control the flow, as well as a safety grid and removable debris screen to protect your collected water.

The Chesapeake Rain Barrel for Rain Water Collection from Stacks and Stacks
Perhaps the most eco-friendly choice is the Chesapeake Rain Barrel. It’s made from real, 60 gallon, heavy duty plastic Greek shipping barrels, and named after the Chesapeake Bay,”the most endangered body of water in North America.” More sleekly designed and costing just slightly more (only $189), this is the next step up from the basic green plastic barrel.

Faux-ceramic Cascata Rain Water Collection and Storage System from Algreen
Perhaps your aesthetic runs to the “I don’t want anything that looks like a rain barrel in my yard” direction. In that case, the ceramic-looking Cascata Rain Water Collection and Storage System is right up your alley. The 65 gallon barrel is made of durable plastic, molded to look like a planter, complete with a removable crown plant holder. At $149.99, it’s also one of the more affordable choices.

Traditional Wooden Oak Whiskey Barrels from Aaron’s Rain Barrels and More
Looking for something a little more rustic? How about a reclaimed barrel that once held Kentucky bourbon? This sustainably chic choice has been featured on “Ask This Old House” and HGTV’s “I Want That”, but remember: You’re paying for form over function. At $350 a barrel, this is the choice for a well manicured yard, not a working farm that needs a dozen!

70 Gallon Square Wood Rain Barrel from Sam’s Club.
Craving the style of a wooden barrel in a more affordable form? Look no further than Sam’s club, for this square, plastic lined wooden barrel, made of from FSC certified sustainable forests. Okay, at $207.88, it’s not that much more affordable, but it does have a brass spigot!

Really, there are so many kinds of rain barrels on the market that it’s easy to find one that fulfills all of your needs — and if you’re really picky, you can even make your own!

Five Best Rain Barrels originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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