Cool Water Barrel With Many Uses

This easy-to-build rain barrel setup can capture rain for watering plants, rinsing produce, and countless other uses.

By Darla Gascho
June/July 2011

Water Barrel
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You can build this rain barrel in just a day. 
PHOTO: DARLA GASCHO
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We sometimes need to water our flowers in the summer if rainfall is not sufficient. My husband has created the ideal setup with a rain barrel.

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He made a support out of lumber so the 50-gallon barrel can rest on its side, about 20 inches off the ground. The downspout from the house is inserted into the top side of the water barrel. My husband drilled two 1 1/2–inch holes into the upper part of the barrel’s side panel for overflow and put a spigot on the bottom of this panel.

We use the collected rainwater to water transplants, rinse garden produce and wash bare feet, in addition to watering nearby flowers.

Darla Gascho
Rossville, Indiana

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  • Sandra Socolick 7/13/2011 10:44:42 AM

    I'm trying to find a barrel like that one. Does anyone know what they cost or how to get one?

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