Cut down on the water you use from the tap by acquiring a few rain barrels.
Storing water in a 55-gallon drum is a great way to capture and store rainwater for your houseplants and garden. Unlike water that comes from the tap, rainwater is free of the chlorine that can be tough on sensitive plants. Not only that, you can cut down on your water consumption by about 40 percent by using a rain barrel or drum for your household irrigation. However, keep in mind that rain barrels that aren't used properly can harbor bacteria and grow algae, and serve as incubators for mosquitoes and other bugs. Follow a few basic rules to keep your water drums clean and safe. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean your 55-gallon drum to remove any bacteria or other pathogens. Even if the drum is new, scrub it out with an all-natural soap; using a chemical cleaner defeats the purpose of storing water in a drum, since you'll be leaving chemicals behind that could be potentially harmful to your garden.
2. Saw a hole in the top of the drum, if it is a closed container. The hole should be about 1 foot in diameter--large enough for a rainwater downspout to flow into it freely.
3. Place a fitted screen over the top of the drum; purchase a screen with the appropriate-sized frame at a hardware store. This will keep bugs and debris from falling into the drum.
4. Place the drum under a downspout, with water from the spout flowing directly into the barrel. Be sure the barrel is on solid ground and will not tip over should you get a big rain.
Tags: 55-gallon drum, rain barrels, water from, your water