Rain barrels are not a new concept, although they are gaining popularity in many communities for several reasons. The practice of collecting rain dates back as far as 2,000 years ago in Thailand and can be seen throughout history across the globe thereafter.[1] Until recently water availability has been taken for granted; however, with water shortages facing many regions throughout the world, methods of conservation have become more prevalent. There is another reason communities are encouraging the use of these barrels—overwhelmed sewer systems.
In the metro Milwaukee area, one inch of rain is “equal to more than 7 billion gallons of water.”[2] That amount of water is a hazard to the sewer system, capable of overwhelming it. Rain barrels have dual positive impacts: They lower water demand by offering another source for water for things like watering lawns and gardens and car-washing, and they reduce water pollutants and storm water runoff, providing savings in energy for treatment facilities. For Milwaukee, rain barrels have become commonplace with more than 24,000 placed throughout the district. According to Bree Plier, manager of sustainability for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, “[Rain barrels] help us keep water out of the sewer system, and that helps us to reduce the risk of basement backups, flooding and combined sewer overflows.”[3]
Financial savings are a tremendous motivator to residents and treatment facilities, alike. Keeping water out of sewer systems reduces costs which trickle down to customers. Additionally, collecting rainwater saves on out-of-pocket costs for various tasks around the home and makes you a good water steward. So, the next time it rains, take note of the amount of water that runs from not only your home, but from your neighbors’ homes, and visualize it filling rain barrels and watering gardens instead of overrunning the sewer system.
[1]“Rain Barrels.” Ecology Action Center, ecologyactioncenter.org/clean-water/rain-barrels/.
[2] Vitrano, Vince. “How Rain Barrels Can Help Prevent Flooding in Milwaukee Area.” TMJ4, 6 May 2019, www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/how-rain-barrels-can-help-prevent-flooding.
[3] Vitrano, Vince. “How Rain Barrels Can Help Prevent Flooding in Milwaukee Area.” TMJ4, 6 May 2019, www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/how-rain-barrels-can-help-prevent-flooding.
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