Rain water harvesting through rain barrels
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by: georgewonderman
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Word Count: 615
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 Time: 3:13 PM
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The design of a rain barrel is simple yet efficient. It comprises of 20 to 100 Gallon Tank, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings and a screen to keep insects and other debris out. It can be kept under a Gutter anywhere around the house.
A rain barrel can be bought in the market where it is easily available. A rain barrel with easy and minimal installation is suitable and preferable for people lacking required technical skills. Due to various designs, brands, material used and capacity the price of a rain barrel is varied. It is advisable to check out various models which are available in the market or through gardening catalogues before ordering it. Use of different materials such as wood or plastic etc would alter the cost substantially. Heavy duty material is preferable for longer life as well as efficiency though the price might be higher. Rain barrels are available online through various sellers. The price of a rain barrel ranges from a $100 to $350.
The given efficiency of rain barrels ranges from 70 to 90%. In an area of 1000 sq feet, for every inch of rain, 600 gallons of water can be collected which can be used for a number of functions while saving money on water bills. The placement of rain barrels can also vary efficiency and thus is important. It should be placed in such a location so that transfer for use in gardens etc, is easily possible. It should also have a heavy duty overflow pipe which drains water away from the building when there is heavy rain.
In todays world where conservation of the environment and natural resources is the talk of the town, harvesting rain water through rain barrels is a grass root level plan for water conservation. The water if not conserved would be wasted in run offs (which also causes river, stream etc. pollution), is used for various purposes which accounts for a large part of the water usage by a household. The use of these rain barrels would reduce pressure on the water table and tap water supply. Use of rain water is preferred for gardening over tap water as it is devoid of chemicals found in normal water supply which is harmful for plants.
On a preliminary comparison of home made over purchased rain barrels, it is easily observed that purchased rain barrels are more efficient. Primarily it should be stated that a rain water barrel requires more than a barrel too work. An estimated cost for a constructed rain barrel is around $120 while the same can be bought for approximately $200. Comparing the efficiency of a professionally made barrel with a homemade one would be imprudent as the increased efficiency of a purchased barrel would be obvious. There could be problems in making of a barrel by hand which could decrease efficiency. Also, after factoring the cost of tools required for constructing a barrel the cost increases and thus it can be settled that purchasing an easily available barrel is beneficial. It is easily settled that purchasing rain barrels over constructing one is favorable.
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Find more information on water conservation, click on palmettorainbarrels.com.
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