Rain. Your grandparents probably collected it you may even remember your parents collecting it. But over the years we have gotten dependant on wells and municipal water to supply us with all of our watering needs, including needs that don't require fresh clean drinking water. Using a rain barrel is a perfect way to provide nice soft water to your plants, conserve fresh water, and help correct stormwater runoff problems. Water is collected off your roof and used later for your non-potable water needs. An average home with a roof size of 1,000 square feet will generate approximately 600 gallons of water from a 1-inch rainfall. With our Save it FROM a Rainy Day program we are offering two different style rain barrels through two local partnerships. An instant rebate is available to Green County residents thanks to the City of Springfield, Greene County Resource Management, and City Utilities.
Barrel option #1:
Wickman's Garden Village (1345 S. Fort, Springfield, MO) carries 55 gallon pre-made/pre-molded rain barrels. Its features include:
- 32"H x 24" W, 55 gallon
- Debris screen, spigot and hose
- Overflow tube - direct overflow away from foundation
- Expansion kit - connect another barrel on either side
- Flat back - fits easily against house
- Made from recycled materials
- Available colors: green or brown
How it works:
- Fill out rebate form and purchase at Wickman's Gardens.
- Cut downspout to appropriate height and direct to screen top
- Using instruction provided, attach hose and overflow tube to begin collecting rain.
Online retail price (w/ shipping) = $155
Program price = $100
Instant rebate (for Greene County Residents) = $25
Rebated Price = $75
Barrel Option #2:
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore (2410 S. Scenic, Springfield MO) Or Smiling Sun carries RainReserve Diverter kits that come with everything you need to turn the two barrels into rain barrels. Its features include:
- Automatic Overflow and maintain original drainage system.
- Filters debris from roof into yard
- Resistant to mosquito and algae infestation
- Adaptable to any 2"x3" or 3"x4" gutter system
- Easy Maintenance and winterization
How it works:
- Fill out rebate form and purchase at Habitat ReStore or Smiling Sun Lawns
- Attach to existing gutter system
- Using provided kit, turn barrels into rain barrels and attach to diverter
- For more info, view this YouTube video.
Program price = $100
Instant rebate = -(2) x $25
Rebated Price = $50.00
A few basic kits are available for purchase through Smiling Sun.
Basic Kits $55.00 (after rebate $35.00)
this is just the diverter and hoses
Double Kits $100.00
*Greene County resident receive $25 instant rebate bringing the cost to $75* This is for hooking two barrels to one downspout, comes with everything.
Rebate is only available to Greene county residents on barrels associated with this program and is only available at the time of purchase. Click here for printable form. Rebate program is funded by City of Springfield Public Works, City Utilities, and Greene County Resource Management. Rebate is instant and will be subtracted from the cost of the barrel at time of purchase. Save time- fill out printable form and take with you to participating locations.
See our list of certified rain barrel installers if you would like assistance in building or installing a rain barrel.
If you are more of a do-it-yourselfer please see our Make-Your-Own rain barrel instructions and Care Guide.
FAQ's
Why use a rain barrel?
An average home with a roof size of 1,000 square feet will generate approximately 600 gallons of water from a 1-inch rainfall. Collecting and using this water with rain barrels helps reduce the demand on public and private water supplies, and reduces pollution, flooding, and erosion in local waterways by reducing storm water runoff.
How do I use the water?
The water that you collect in your rain barrel can be used to water indoor and outdoor potted plants and landscaped areas, clean off gardening tools, wash your car, and for other non-potable uses.
How do I install the barrel?
The rain barrel is easy to install and the method varies depending on the type of barrel you purchase. It typically involves either shortening your downspout and using an elbow or section of flexible downspout if needed to direct the water into the barrel, or removing a 5 inch section of your downspout and replacing it with the diverter. Elevating the barrel on blocks will create increased flow.
Will the barrel be a source of mosquitoes?
Place a mosquito "dunk" or "donut" in the barrel to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. These products are non-toxic, inexpensive, and widely-available. Or using a ‘closed system' such as the RainReserve Diverter kit reduces the risk of mosquito infestation.
What if my downspout is 3" x 4"?
Adaptors to be used with the RainReserve Diverter kit are available at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Can I link barrels together?
Yes, you can. Most every barrel style allows for linking of barrels to collect more water from one downspout.
What about debris from the roof?
The premade/premolded barrels have a screen to keep debris from entering the barrel. The diverter kit is designed to allow the debris to continue down the downspout while the water is diverted to the barrels. The majority of the pollutants found on the roof are found in the first flush of rain. Roof washers divert the first flush away from the barrel and they are widely available on the internet.
Contact Tiffany Frey for more information 417-836-6183 or tfrey@missouristate.edu
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