Rain barrels are all the rage this summer. More and more, retailers like Lowe's and local hardware stores are seeing an increase in demand. Consumers are purchasing these large ceramic or rubber barrels to collect late winter and early spring rains. The rainwater is stored for later use in dry, drought-ridden summers.

Multiple applications are possible whether it is for conservation or for environmental stewardship. Homes use the collected water to maintain gardens, lawns, and even for washing a car. Golf courses and public parks can use large-scale rainwater collection facilities, conserving freshwater supplies for drinking. After the cost of the barrel, collecting water and reusing it in the summer is free of charge- no hose to rewind and no water bill to avoid opening. There are just a few technical functions to the water collecting system; for instance, place on level ground so a full barrel doesn’t tip over and nix your collected water.

Collecting water can provide a substantial environmental benefit to local watersheds, reservoirs, and in general, water supplies. If municipalities provided incentives for rainwater collection, specifically in locales frequently under drought conditions, such as Las Vegas, gallons of water per home could be conserved and used during drought times.

Peoria, ILis working with residents to collect rain barrel water in an effort to decrease the strain on the city’s sewers. During rainy seasons, municipal sewer systems are inundated with rainwater in addition to regular resident and business sewer flows, and when mixed with the debris and waste rain often brings to a sewer pipeline, reducing runoff means less energy to process that extra water, and less strain on pipes to carry that water.

Rochester, MN residents are collecting water more for the fun of it than because of scarcity. While the city has sufficient supply and does not have competing pressures from business, industry, drinking and recreation uses on its water, residents still think rain barrels are the sensible option. They are correct. After all, rain is free.

Of course, there are some limitations to turning a green leaf. For example, Colorado has a law mandating that rain barrels are unacceptable. The law dates back to times when the environment was less than at the forefront of city planning. Originally, the law was established to protect water users downstream in effect, preserving water for those users as opposed to collecting it all and hording it away. Prior to official city water collection systems, the law may have had a purpose. However, now the law is downright silly and no longer applicable. Considering that Colorado is generally an environmentally-conscious state, I am sure it is only a matter of time before the law is washed out making room for rain barrels.

Rain barrels: coming to a store or city giveaway near you.