Rain Barrels

Downspout to rain barrel

Rain barrel collecting water for a later date

It is beneficial to view rainwater as a resource that can be reused on site.  For example, downspouts from roofs can be disconnected from underdrains and the water directed to vegetated areas or a rain garden. 

By capturing this water you will reduce runoff volume, promote infiltration and slow and filter runoff from the roof area.  As long as the water is tranported well away from foundations, concerns of structural damage and basement flooding can be alleviated.

If you want to capture water naturally from your roof top that can be used at a later dryer date, use Rain Barrels.  Rain barrels allow us to capture rain that would otherwise be lost to the storm drain. 

How much water could I collect from my roof?

Have you ever wondered how much water runs off your roof? During a typical moderate storm of 1” of rain during a 24 hour period, over 700 gallons of water will run off the average roof, an impervious area of about 1,200 square feet.  In one rainy day, your roof runoff could fill up fourteen bathtubs! Add up the many roofs in your city and we're talking a lot of water.