Preparing for a Drought with Rain Barrels ~ PreppDay Wednesday

Algreen 85001 Barcelona Rain Barrel, Terra Cotta, 100 Gallon

"Hey!  How are you?  Crazy weather we're having, huh!"  Shooting the breeze is usually just small talk but today for PreppDay Wednesday the weather is some serious business.  I live in the Pacific Northwest and we are having a tough time with the rain.  No, not too much.  Not enough!  The word 'drought' is becoming a real concern in many parts of the country.  See how installing a Rain Barrel can really help!

 A simple, easy & cheap way to help in a drought situation is making a rain barrel.  Anything simple, easy & cheap pretty much has my name on it.  A DIY rain barrel like this one is perfect is you are looking to keep your lawn, flowers & garden green while everything else is going brown.  You can find great step-by-step instructions, pictures and supply list here from Workbench Magazine.

DIY Rain Barrel Tutorial HERE

Even though this is the route I am sure to go I understand wanting things to look pretty and not trashy, pardon the pun.  I also understand things like home owners associations who would have a field day writing up fines if a whole block's worth of SuperDad's decided to install trash-cans-turned-rain-barrels on their cookie-cutter front lawns.  This might be a better choice but it will cost you a cool 100 bucks.  

Algreen Castilla Slate Rain Barrel, 50-Gallon

I live on 13+ acres in the mountains so I have a wee bit more freedom, for now anyway!  Only because I should say this be sure to check with the laws in your state regarding the collection of rain water, yada yada yada, you don't want to go to jail.  Some states are making it against the law you know!  Don't even get me started on that ridiculousness or the drones might start circling, but I digress...  

Here is another fun option where you might be able to totally fool that association!

Good Ideas RWWR42-LIG Rain Wizard Rock, Light Granite $80.00

In all seriousness preparing for a drought means more then shopping for a nice looking rain barrel.  Did you know that watering your lush lawn, beautiful flowers and edible garden can make up as much as 40 percent of your water use in the summer time?!!?  Now I can do without my lawn and flowers in a SHTF situation but my fruits and veggies?  No way.

photo source

Not enough studies have been done to say if plants can be contaminated from pollutants like 'hazardous' roofing materials through collected rain water.  The variables are so extensive that even organic gardening associations (here we go with more associations!) suggest doing what you are comfortable with.  That might mean having collected water tested, simply rinsing any garden goodies with clean water before eating or running the water through a reverse-osmosis filter before drinking it.   

Quad Rain Barrel Collection System Tutorial HERE

Speaking of drinking it, some suggest only using a 'food grade' container for your rain but again do what you are comfortable with and the situation at hand.  If you are in a desperate need to collect as much rain as you can ASAP then I wouldn't worry about some study threatening the extinction of mankind because of plastic water bottles.  History shows another study comes out in 1-3 years with the exact opposite findings.
BUT an old wine barrel is both food grade & looks good!  

Wine Barrel turned Rain Barrel Tutorial HERE

Collecting the rain in the correct way will keep the water healthy so you won't get sick using it.  Or have it become a breeding ground for mosquito's when storing it.  Here are a few important things you need to know regarding collecting and storing water in a rain barrel.

1. Raise your barrel up off the ground to help prevent water from collecting underneath and becoming stagnant.  A higher barrel makes for better water pressure too.
2. Make sure your barrel is level and secure so that children cannot pull the barrel down and potentially hurt themselves or someone else!  A secure lid will help take away the temptation to play in it.
3. Whether purchased or DIY'd having a screen on the top of the container will help keep insects and debris out of your water.

U.S. Drought Monitor

These collapsible rain barrels are a nice option when summer time storage space is limited, and the $37 price tag doesn't sting too bad either.

50-gallon Portable Rain Barrel

Here is a 250 gallon version for $175.

STC Collapsible Rain Barrel with Diverter, 250-Gallon

If money is no object this one is easier on the eyes then the one above, holds 65 gallons and includes a planter on top for $210.00

Algreen 81111 Cascata Rain Water Collection and Storage System, 65-Gallon, Dark Brown

Truly preparing for, and surviving a drought goes a lot deeper then just collecting rain.  Although water is the #1 most important thing and I don't think anyone will argue that.  For a thorough list on drought survival and water conservation tips check out this post from Emergency Outdoors.

Emergency Outdoors

In the prepping mood?  Tomorrow for GreenThumb Thursday I will share some ways in which you can help your veggie garden in the midst of a drought situation.  But for now you might want to check out some of my popular PreppDay Wednesday posts!

10 Prepper Mom Must Haves

Wildfire 101

Duct Tape Dynasty

Drought Proof Garden Ideas