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Home > Greening Rockville > Watersheds > Stormwater Management: Rainbarrels
Sustainable Rockville


Stormwater Management: Rain Barrels


Painted Rain BarrelRain barrels collect rain from roofs, which can then be used for irrigating lawns, washing cars, or watering gardens. If installed and used properly, rain barrels can reduce stormwater runoff.  Residents can save money on water bills and help ease stress on the public water system and local water supplies.  Visit the Rockville RainScapes page to learn how to receive a reimbursement for installing a rainbarrel on your property and for more information about rainbarrel workshops.

For more information on how to purchase a rainbarrel or for instructions for assembling a rainbarrel, visit:

Tips for rainbarrel use:

  1. Rain barrel on porchPlace the rainbarrel where you can easily connect it to a gutter and where you can easily access it.
  2. Put the barrel on cinder blocks; it will help keep it level and will increase the water pressure.
  3. You should disconnect your rain barrels in the winter.  Freezing and thawing of the water in your rain barrel may weaken the material or cause cracks. Store upside down.
  4. Cover downspout and drainage spots with mesh/wire netting to prevent debris and mosquitos from entering your system.
  5. Regularly check your gutters, downspouts and rain barrel spigot for leaks, obstructions or debris.

By installing a rainbarrel you are conserving valuable water. One-half inch of rain on a 1,000 square-foot roof yields approximately 300 gallons of water.