Did you know that for every inch of rain that falls on a 1000-square foot roof, you can collect 600 gallons of water? By capturing rainwater with the use of a rain barrel system and using it for your non-potable water needs, you can help reduce the strain on municipal water supplies and lower your water bill.

Want to know more? Take a look at these top 5 benefits of owning a rain barrel:

1) Rain barrels keep you socially responsible

Water conservation is a key factor in any environmentally conscious practice, and this is doubly true in San Diego and other parts of the country where water resources are seriously limited. But when you have a garden, it can be tricky to keep your plants healthy under heavy water restriction rules. When you have rainwater that you’ve capturedwith a rain barrel, you can use it any way you want to, and at any time, while still remaining within local water conservation guidelines.

2) Rain barrels reduce runoff pollution

As rainwater flows off your roof and heads for the gutters, it carries pesticides and fertilizers from the landscape along with it. The water picks up more contaminants as it makes its way into local waterways. In addition to altering the habitat for wildlife, these pollutants can make lakes and rivers dangerous for swimming or other recreation. When you collect rainwater in a rain barrel rather than letting it run off into the streets, you’re helping to improve local water quality. And that’s a good thing.

3) Rain barrels benefit your plants

Rainwater is actually better than tap water for the health of your plants and soil. Tap water contains salts, inorganic ions, and fluoride compounds that, over time, build up in the soil and harm your plants at the root. The rainwater you capture in your rain barrel is natural and highly oxygenated, and when you use it to water your plants, it’ll help dilute the effects of chlorine and other chemicals built up in your soil from tap water. So you get stronger, healthier plants.

4) Rain barrels promote better indoor air quality

You know that dank, damp smell that’s common in basements? It’s usually from a buildup of mold, mildew, and moisture, and it’s no good for your health. One way to decrease the moisture levels in your home is to decrease the moisture level around the foundation. The use of a rain barrel to catch rainwater instead of allowing the runoff to pool around your foundation can go a long way toward eliminating moisture that causes high levels of mold and mildew. And the less mold and mildew you breathe in, the better.

5) Rain barrels can shrink your water bill

In a place like San Diego, we become conscious about the amount of water we use for household chores and gardening in part because it’s so darn expensive. Sure, we could stop washing the car or the dog altogether, or stop watering our plants or keeping our compost soil moist, but there’s no need. A rain barrel allows us to use rainwater to do all of these things – for free!

As if that’s not enough…

At San Diego Drums & Totes, we have a great selection of rain barrels that will help you save money, breathe better, and keep practicing social responsibility while you tend to your vibrant, healthy garden. And if you take advantage of the SoCal WaterSmart residential rebates, the final cost of your rain barrel will be little to nothing. In fact, our 58-gallon upcycled water barrel will be free after your $75 rebate.

The way we see it, there’s no reason not to come get your rain barrel today.

Give us a call, browse our website, or drop by one of our locations in Lemon Grove and San Marcos.