Environmental and water conservation problems can often be solved by simple solutions or best management practices that are often overlooked. One of the best management practices for rain or storm water is to use a rain barrel to collect it, and here are some of the reasons why you need to use such.

1. Mitigate Risk of Flooding and Erosion.

Erosion or flooding can also result from constant heavy rainwater run-off. This is also because, due to the water’s speed, it will tear apart the upper level of the soil and thus, will increase flooding in the area. Diverting some of this water into a rain barrel reduces the velocity and interrupts the flow, thereby reducing the impact on the soil and the risk of erosion.

2. Prevent Damage to Gutter and Foundation.

In addition to degrading the soil, consistent torrential rains can cause issues with gutters and foundations, key structures of the life system around the home. Gutters are mostly made to deflect water and snow from the house in order to protect the roof, but there is a limit to how much a gutter can take a beating, and a cycle of torrential rain, and all the dirt and debris blown into it every time there is a storm, will eventually erode the gutter.

Over time, this debris will fill and or ruin the gutter. The gutter in either case does not function as it should, and all this water ultimately goes into the ground, where it infiltrates the foundations, weakening them. Gradually, this weakens the foundation to the point where flood water can wash the house away.

3. Water Conservation.

It has become increasingly apparent that freshwater sources are at risk and will soon become a scarce resource in this century. This is because of the increasing pollution of these freshwater sources, infrequent rain due to climate change, and water being used to cool data centres and factories.

Such a situation has induced the need to be mindful of the way we use our water resources and take some steps to conserve it. Some of the best management practices for water conservation are using a rain barrel to capture water during heavy rainfall.

Unfortunately, this practice can also backfire and starve the ground of the needed amount of water to supply plants and feed back into the atmosphere. That’s why a balance needs to be struck, and only the amount of water you think you’ll need should be collected.

4. Saves Money.

Using rain barrels is also a good way to conserve money. Instead of paying a water and electricity bill, you will collect water for later use and save that money to use in other situations, such as watering plants, cleaning, etc.

5. Diminishes the Possibility of Run-off and Spread of Pollutants.

The top layer of the soil is chock full of nutrients, and in cases of run-off, this layer can be washed off. Not only that, this run-off can collect things like trash, dead organic matter, excrement and some toxic chemicals from other locations and deposit them in freshwater sources. By collecting this rainwater from the roof through a rain barrel, you can stop this run-off from stripping away pollutants from drinking water sources.

These rain barrels can come in all sizes, depending on your needs, and you’ll need to clean them regularly. The Gutter Queen is the best place to go to get the most durable rain barrels of all sizes for your home. Contact us today to learn more!