April…..it’s finally Spring, the season which we’ve waited for all winter long! (At least for those of us who are not Snow Birds!) Spring is routinely known for being a rainy season in the Midwest. Are you ready for all kinds of weather changes that usually arrive with Spring?
I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “April Showers Bring May Flowers”. And I’m certain we are all familiar with the song “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” written by Burt Bacharach and sung by B.J. Thomas in 1969. But have you ever heard of ‘harvesting raindrops’?
No, it’s not a familiar phrase nor is it a song. It’s not a new idea either….maybe your parents and grandparents recall using cisterns to capture rainwater as it fell from the roof of their house. Today, however, rain barrels are used to collect rainwater from the roof. Why would someone want to do that, you ask? I’ll share some of the reasons why.
Benefits to both people and the environment are realized by the use of rain barrels. The barrels collect and store rainwater that would otherwise end up as runoff into storm drains, streams, lakes and other waterways. When runoff is reduced, erosion is also reduced which in turn reduces the likelihood of excess chemicals and soil particles from being carried by the rainwater as it travels over the ground. Water collected in rain barrels can be used to water flowers, plants, gardens and even wash pets and cars! It actually provides fresher and purer natural soft water. The water can also be kept handy for emergency situations, like flushing your toilets when the power goes out from a Spring storm and your well pump doesn’t work until the power is restored!
Rain barrels hold 55 gallons of water and are most times made from recycled food-grade plastic. They usually are equipped with a spigot, overflow controls, and a removable screen-mesh top to keep out mosquitoes and debris. They also look nice in your yard in three popular colors (grey, black and terra cotta).
So see, raindrops do not have to keep falling on your head! Just go green and consider the purchase of one of these barrels. Then strategically place it under the downspout from your roof and wait for it to fill up this Spring!
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