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This article is about outdoor, residential systems. For larger, multi-residential or commercial integrated systems, see [[Rainwater harvesting]]   

This article is about outdoor, residential systems. For larger, multi-residential or commercial integrated systems, see [[Rainwater harvesting]]   

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==Overview==

==Overview==

Rain barrels are an above ground form of rainwater harvesting, typically used in residential settings. The precipitation flows from the roof, to the guttering and down the downspout before being diverted to the rain barrel for storage.

Rain barrels are an above ground form of rainwater harvesting, typically used in residential settings. The precipitation flows from the roof, to the guttering and down the downspout before being diverted to the rain barrel for storage.

{{textbox|1=Rain barrels are an ideal technology for:  

{{textbox|1=Rain barrels are an ideal technology for:  

==Planning Considerations==

==Planning Considerations==

<h4>Watershed scale</h4>

<h3>Watershed scale</h3>

Traditional rain barrels require a high degree of owner compliance to perform as a reliable stormwater management control strategy at watershed scale. To overcome this limitation, electronically monitored and controlled rain barrels are  a new adaptation on the market in Ontario[https://www.raingrid.com/]. This system forecasts rain and automatically discharges the contents of the rain barrel to a designated infiltration area of the property in advance of the storm.   

Traditional rain barrels require a high degree of owner compliance to perform as a reliable stormwater management control strategy at watershed scale. To overcome this limitation, electronically monitored and controlled rain barrels are  a new adaptation on the market in Ontario[https://www.raingrid.com/]. This system forecasts rain and automatically discharges the contents of the rain barrel to a designated infiltration area of the property in advance of the storm.   

<h4>Site Scale</h4>  

<h3>Site Scale</h3>  

<h5>Place in the Treatment Train</h5>

Place in the Treatment Train

<p>In most cases the catchment area will be the roof of the building and the rain barrel will be the first interception of water from the downspout. Planning questions:

In most cases the catchment area will be the roof of the building and the rain barrel will be the first interception of water from the downspout. Planning questions:

*How many downspouts does the roof have?

<li>How many downspouts does the roof have? </li>

*Will more than one barrel be required?

<li> Will more than one barrel be required? </li>

*Do the downspouts require reconfiguration?  

<li> Do the downspouts require reconfiguration? </li>

It is recommended that an overflow strategy be part of designing a rain barrel system. Excess water should be directed away from the property foundations. Suitable discharge points for overflow include: a [[Rain Gardens|rain garden]], a [[Infiltration Trenches|french drain]], or the base of a [[Trees|tree]].

<h4>Cistern</h4>

It is recommended that an overflow strategy be part of designing a rain barrel system. Excess water should be directed away from the property foundations. Suitable discharge points for overflow include: a [[Rain Gardens|rain garden]], a [[Infiltration Trenches|french drain]], or the base of a [[Trees|tree]]. </p>

Expansion caused by freezing water will damage the barrel. The easiest way to prevent this damage is to  drain and disconnect the system in advance of [[Winter#Freezing and Expansion|freezing temperatures]][http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/].

<h5>Cistern</h5>

==Design==

<p> Expansion caused by freezing water will damage the barrel. The easiest way to prevent this damage is to  drain and disconnect the system in advance of [[Winter#Freezing and Expansion|freezing temperatures]][http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/].</p>

<h3>Filter</h3>

The water in the barrel will remain fresher for use if leaf litter and other debris excluded. Screens can be installed on the eavestroughs, in the downspout, or at the top of the cistern. These types of screens  are not designed to capture small particles and chemical pollutants. However, this fine material is usually first to wash off surfaces at the start of the storm. A <em> first flush diverter </em> is a simple, automated, mechanical device which prevents this first 'dirtier' part of the stormwater from being stored. Screens, filters and diverters should be in easily accessible locations, so that they can be inspected and cleared of debris periodically.   

<h3>Sizing Barrels</h3>

<gallery mode="packed" widths=300px heights=300px>

 

===<h2blue>Design</h2blue>===

</div>

<h4>Filter</h4>

<p>The water in the barrel will remain fresher for use if leaf litter and other debris excluded. Screens can be installed on the eavestroughs, in the downspout, or at the top of the cistern. These types of screens  are not designed to capture small particles and chemical pollutants. However, this fine material is usually first to wash off surfaces at the start of the storm. A <em> first flush diverter </em> is a simple, automated, mechanical device which prevents this first 'dirtier' part of the stormwater from being stored. Screens, filters and diverters should be in easily accessible locations, so that they can be inspected and cleared of debris periodically. </p>  

<h4>Sizing Barrels</h4>

Roof catchment area can be estimated using one of many online digital maps. e.g. Distance can be measured on Google maps by right clicking on the desired start point. <br>

Roof catchment area can be estimated using one of many online digital maps. e.g. Distance can be measured on Google maps by right clicking on the desired start point. <br>

1 mm of rain landing on 1 m² of roof top  produces 1 litre of water to store. <br> So a 5 mm storm on a 75 m² roof would require 375 L of storage volume. <br>

1 mm of rain landing on 1 m² of roof top  produces 1 litre of water to store. <br> So a 5 mm storm on a 75 m² roof would require 375 L of storage volume. <br>

Rain barrels or cisterns are readily available in pre-formed plastic up to around 500L. <br>  

Rain barrels or cisterns are readily available in pre-formed plastic up to around 500L. <br>  

Alternatives include:  

Alternatives include:  

*modular systems to increase total storage capacity,

<li>modular systems to increase total storage capacity, </li>

*slim designs to fit small spaces,  

<li>slim designs to fit small spaces, </li>

*aesthetic designs for high profile locations,

<li>aesthetic designs for high profile locations, </li>

Many people choose to reuse or recycle a container as a rain barrel or cistern. Re-purposed containers should be screened to prevent [[Wildlife#Mosquitoes|mosquitoes]] from breeding, and should be opaque to prevent algae from growing.  

Many people choose to reuse or recycle a container as a rain barrel or cistern. Re-purposed containers should be screened to prevent [[Wildlife#Mosquitoes|mosquitoes]] from breeding, and should be opaque to prevent algae from growing.  

===Performance===

===Performance===

</div>

</div>

<p> There is a draft of [https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/110116-Draft-CSA_ICC-B805-Rainwater-Harvesting.pdf CSA B805 draft] currently under review. The scope of the document includes single family dwellings. But the guide is still under review and may not account for rain barrel systems when officially published.  

<p> There is a draft of [https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/110116-Draft-CSA_ICC-B805-Rainwater-Harvesting.pdf CSA B805 draft] currently under review. The scope of the document includes single family dwellings. But the guide is still under review and may not account for rain barrel systems when officially published.  

(comments made in reference to draft v. 2, on 1st June 2017).</p>

(comments made in reference to draft v. 2, on 1st June 2017).</p>

<p>Research in warm climates (Texas and Greece) has demonstrated that first flush diverters improve the chemical characteristics of the harvested rainwater[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135410008535][http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169412006993]. However, the use of diverters does not prevent the development of pathogens in stored water. </p>

Research in warm climates (Texas and Greece) has demonstrated that first flush diverters improve the chemical characteristics of the harvested rainwater[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135410008535][http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169412006993]. However, the use of diverters does not prevent the development of pathogens in stored water.  

 

==Costs==

Many municipalities run schemes to provide homeowners with subsidized barrels. In some places barrels can be purchased from around $50.  See list below.

Additional items such as filters, screens or hoses may cost extra.

Hardware stores carry a wider range or products to suit all kinds of space constraints, aesthetic concerns, or budgets.

===Costs===

<p> Many municipalities run schemes to provide homeowners with subsidized barrels. In some places barrels can be purchased from around $50.  See list below. <br>

Additional items such as filters, screens or hoses may cost extra. <br>

Hardware stores carry a wider range or products to suit all kinds of space constraints, aesthetic concerns, or budgets. <br>

Outdoor barrels for the residential market can cost up to $300, these have larger capacity and smart sensors.  

Outdoor barrels for the residential market can cost up to $300, these have larger capacity and smart sensors.  

==Incentives and Credits==

<h3>Ontario</h3>

*[http://www.peelregion.ca/watersmartpeel/residents/rainbarrels.htm Region of Peel]

*[http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=11372 Halton Region]  

 

*[https://ecocaledon.org/projects/rain-barrels/ Caledon]

===Incentives and Credits===

==See Also==

<h4>Ontario</h4>

*[[Rain gardens]]

<ul>

*[[Downspout disconnection]]

<li>[http://www.peelregion.ca/watersmartpeel/residents/rainbarrels.htm Region of Peel]</li>

*[[Rainwater harvesting]]

<li>[http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=11372 Halton Region] </li>

==External Links==

<li>[https://ecocaledon.org/projects/rain-barrels/ Caledon]</li>

<h3>Proprietary Systems</h3>  

 

{{:Disclaimer}}

[https://www.raingrid.com/ RainGrid]

 

===See Also===

<li>[[Rain gardens]]</li>

<li>[[Downspout disconnection]]</li>

<li>[[Rainwater harvesting]]</li>

 

===External Links===

 

<h4>Proprietary Systems</h4>  

You may inform us of any omissions using the link below:

<li>[https://www.raingrid.com/ RainGrid]</li>