What is a Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater that runs off from your roof. This water would otherwise be lost as runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams.

Usually rain barrels are made of a 35-55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, a screen grate to keep out debris and insects, and other easy-to-find items. Rain barrels are relatively easy and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under your gutter’s downspout.

How Is a Rain Barrel Good For Lake Champlain?

The runoff That is diverted to storm drains and streams ultimately ends up in Lake Champlain. Along its path to the Lake the runoff will pick up soil and sediment, which often contain nutrients including phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients contribute to ‘feeding’ the blue-green algae blooms that contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria.

Runoff yields topsoil as well as fertilizers, nutrients and other potential pollutants when heavy rains occur.

Using a rain barrel helps decrease the threat of algal blooms, and keeps sediment from the lake. Also, by decreasing runoff, rain barrels decrease the erosion of your and other people’s’ property.

What Are Other Advantages of Using a Rain Barrel?

Watering a lawn and garden can use almost 40% of total household water during the summer. Rain barrels collect water and store it for when you need it most – during drier periods. Water from your rain barrel can be used to water plants, wash your car, or even to top a swimming pool.

It provides an good supply of free “soft water” to homeowners, contains no chlorine, lime or calcium. This makes it ideal for watering gardens and flower pots. It’s also great for car and window washing.

Rain barrels collect rooftop runoff using a gutter / downspout system, and can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water helps protect the environment and saves money and energy.

Rain barrels are an easy way to have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, for free!

Where can I buy a ready-made rain barrel?

There are a number of companies that offer ready-made rain barrels for sale, including hardware stores and garden supply stores. In addition, local governments sometimes offer them for a reduced price as part of their environmental education programs. Below are a few sources:

54 Gallon Green Rain Barrel

Rain barrel available in 50 or 54 Gallon sizes. Made of durable UV-stabilized polyethylene.

Features removable debris screen, built-in 48″ hose with convenient thumb valve for quick flow (stores neatly in slot at top of the barrel), overflow tube to divert excess water away from surroundings.

Dimensions: 50 Gallon- Height 22″, Width: 32″, Depth: 16′. 54 Gallon- Height 24″, Width: 32″, Depth: 24′.

Click Here to Order Now

Pollution sources that lead to toxic algae blooms

This weekend’s heavy rainfall and the ensuing excessive runoff show how easily home and municipal waste systems, agricultural practices and heavy runoff can exceed the ability of the land to carry the excess nutrients.

The following infographic shows the contributors to toxic algae blooms:

Toxic Algae Starts upstream
(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Infographic from ToxicAlgaeNews.com

Toxic algae starts upstream from these pollution sources:

• Wastewater Systems – Wastewater treatment plants don’t remove all the excess nutrients that flow from homes and businesses.

• Agricultural Practices – Livestock manure and excess fertilizer wash off the land and into waterways, making agriculture the biggest source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the US.

• Stormwater Runoff – Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, rooftops and sidewalks into storm sewers that lead to local rivers and streams.

• Homes – Aging septic tanks, garden fertilizers, pet waste and some soaps and detergents are all sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.

• Fossil Fuels – Coal and gas-generated electricity, cars and airplanes are all sources of nitrogen pollution in the air and water.

Lakes, rivers and reservoirs become flooded with nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Algae, including cyanobacteria (also known as toxic algae blooms or outbreaks) feed upon this nutrient pollution and cloud the water with green, red or yellow scum, releasing noxious odors and sometimes killing fish, and sickening pets, livestock and people.

Toxic algae starts upstream where unprotected farm fields yield topsoil as well as farm fertilizers and other potential pollutants when heavy rains occur.

What can be done to reduce pollution sources that lead to toxic algae?

• Protect wetlands from development and agriculture to maintain a healthier environment for fish, wildlife & plants, and make it harder for toxic algae to take hold.

• 

  35 Gallon Rain Barrel / Planter
  24″ wide x 28″ high.
  Features built-in planter and shut off valve with hose hook-up. Collect runoff from the roof and store it for later use.
  Order Rain Barrel / Planter Here

  Plant farmland with cover crops between cash crops – protects soil from erosion and absorbs excess fertilizer, helping to keep nutrients out of nearby waterways.

• Create and maintain natural buffers – using trees, shrubs and other plants between farmland, development and waterways helps to filter out excess nitrogen and phosphorus before they can reach the water.

• Don’t “P” on the lawn. Excess phosphorus (P) in lawn fertilizers can wash right into waterways providing a ready food source for cyanobacteria.

• Use a Rain Barrel, collect runoff from the roof, store it for later use and minimize erosion of topsoil at the same time.

More Articles About Lake Champlain and  Algae:

• Lake Erie Toxic Algae Breaks Records in 2015
• Farmers: Lake pollution is not just us
• Farmers, environmentalists sound off on Missisquoi Bay settlement
• DEC Approves Plan to Protect Northern Lake Champlain Tributaries
• LCC Week 15 blue-green algae report