Collect and Use Rainwater
“When it rains, it pours.”  And in between those pouring rains, it can get awfully dry, especially during the hot, sunny days of summer.  Using a rain barrel to catch the water that runs off the roof of your home, garage, or business helps to mitigate the effects of both extremes.
Current climate change models indicate that we will experience less frequent, but higher intensity rains.  Rain barrels store rain water between rains, allowing us to use the water when and where needed as well as avoiding the potential of water seepage into basements. 
Our immediate environment benefits from the use of rain barrels by the reduction of runoff and erosion and increasing infiltration and groundwater recharge.  The community and county environment benefits by reducing the amount of runoff with polluting sediment and debris into our beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams.
Rainwater diversion also helps decrease the burden on water treatment facilities and municipal drainage systems during storms.
The outdoor use of water by homeowners can account of as much as 40% of domestic water consumption.  The use of rain barrel water helps decrease demand during the sweltering summer months – and helps cut down on water bills.
Rain water is ‘soft water’ containing no chlorine, lime or calcium and tends to have fewer sediments and dissolved salts than municipal water.  Rain water is ideal for a multitude of applications, improving the health of lawns, trees, flower gardens, and indoor plants as well as being a ‘no spot’ way to wash cars and windows.
While the water from your rooftop is relatively clean, water from rain barrels is not intended for human or animal consumption.  Because asphalt roofs have the potential to leach chemicals and older roofs may contain asbestos, caution is advised in using this collected water on food crops.
Collect that pouring rain and start a new trend – by placing rain barrels around your house, garage, or business, you will be teaching and encouraging others to do the same! 
Rain barrels are now available for sale from the Cass County Environmental Services Department.  See above.
Written by Candy Barthel

Lakes Area Clean Waters Council
email us at: info@dropstopabsorb.org