After last year’s wet El Niño winter, it’s La Niña’s turn. Weather forecasts for this winter in San Diego are pointed to cold temperatures but dry skies, which means every bit of rainfall will count. In order to capture every available drop to use in your garden or to store for fire protection and emergencies, your best bet is to invest in a rainwater collection and storage system. At San Diego Drums & Totes, we offer a wide variety of options. Here are a few of our most popular items for residential rainwater harvesting and storage:
EarthMinded RainStation
Collecting and storing rainwater doesn’t have to involve clunky, unsightly equipment. That’s why we carry the EarthMinded brand, notable for its simple elegance and efficiency.
The EarthMinded RainStation comes in 45-, 50-, and 65-gallon sizes and neutral colors including charcoal, granite, and terracotta to match any outdoor décor. The system also features a reversible planter top lid that can be used to grow annuals or herbs, rendering the barrel as decorative as it is functional. And while many conventional top-fill rain barrels can overflow and damage a home’s foundation, the RainStation comes with the patent-pending FlexiFit diverter to prevent overflow.
Environmental bonus: not only is rainwater harvesting great for the environment, but the RainStation barrel is also made from 85% recycled content!
Rain Wizard Rain Barrel
If you’re looking for a little more style in your rain collection and storage system, look no further than Rain Wizard. We carry two of their unique rain barrels, including the oak barrel and terracotta urn, both made with UV-resistant polyethylene resin.
The 50-gallon oak barrel design features a plastic screen mesh to keep out bugs, animals, and debris, and a front side overflow keeps water from damaging your outside wall and foundation. For added convenience, the barrel is shaped flat in the back so it sits snugly against the wall of your home and doesn’t require longer downspout parts.
The 65-gallon terracotta urn design also features a flat back, and like the RainStation options, it comes with a planter topper. However, Rain Wizard’s planter design also features a unique watering system that leeches excess water, and there’s a channel built into the rim that diverts overflowing water away from the surface of the house.
IBC Totes
While we might not be expecting enough rainfall this winter to need additional water storage beyond a rain barrel or two, IBC Totes—which store a range of 275-330 gallons, depending on the model—can come in handy during an extra-dry, extended fire season, especially if you live in a rural area without nearby fire hydrants. A few hundred gallons of water won’t triumph over a wildfire, but it can be used to drench your roof and a perimeter around your house until firefighters arrive.
Water storage is also a wise idea in this earthquake-prone region. Water lines and filtration can be disrupted during an emergency, and having your own supply of water ready to use in one of our food-grade IBC Totes will be a blessing.
Don’t let a single drop of rain go to waste
If you’re ready to invest in rainwater harvesting and storage, San Diego Drums & Totes can help. Our experienced professionals can assist you in choosing the right system for your home. And if you want to go one step beyond, check out our greywater collection system, which reuses household water for gardening. Give us a call or drop by one of our two locations, in Lemon Grove and San Marcos.