Rain barrels are designed for one purpose, to prevent storm-water loss. The benefits of capturing storm water are healthful, environmentally friendly and economic. Water in containers, however, can freeze; and that's why freeze-resistant rain barrels have been designed. Does this Spark an idea?
Flex-Barrel
One rain barrel design that is freeze-resistant is called a flex-barrel. In fact, it is a large water sack. Flex-barrels range from 150 to 500 gallons, and cost $350 to $700, as of 2010. The downside is that it takes a lot of ground space, and it kills grass.
Octagon
A solid-design, freeze-resistant water barrel is made with UV-stabilized plastic, and is shaped like an octagon. These generally cost less than $200, and hold up to 70 gallons. Though freeze-resistant, a barrel this small can easily be emptied in winter.
Heater
Some rain collection systems have a built in heater that the user can turn on when there are freeze warnings. These run around $300.
Diverter
Another option that accomplishes the same thing as a rain barrel, and that does not freeze, is a rain-water diverter system. These inexpensive systems are for people who know where they want the water to go, e.g., a garden bed. The diverter concentrates the flow of water in a distribution container, then sends the flow to the ground on very large hoses that won't close during a freeze.
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