5 best water barrel systems to save on water bills
Harvesting rainwater is a simple way to lower utility bills. We review the 5 best water barrel systems for sustainable garden and home water use.
A heavy summer downpour can feel like a mixed blessing, washing away the dust but also reminding you of the rising cost of keeping your crops and animals hydrated through a dry spell. But what if that same storm could fill a reservoir, giving you a free, chlorine-free water source right where you need it most? Harvesting rainwater is one of the simplest and most effective steps a hobby farmer can take to build resilience and cut down on utility bills.
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Why Harvest Rainwater for Your Farm or Garden?
Collecting rainwater is about more than just saving a few dollars on your water bill, though that is a significant benefit. For the small-scale farmer, it’s about resource management and water security. Having a 50 or 100-gallon reserve can be the difference between thriving plants and a sun-scorched garden during an unexpected mid-summer drought. This stored water acts as a critical buffer, giving you peace of mind when the forecast shows nothing but sun for weeks on end.
Furthermore, rainwater is fundamentally better for your plants than treated municipal water. It’s naturally soft, slightly acidic, and free of the chlorine and other chemicals used in public water systems that can be harsh on soil microbiology. Plants respond noticeably better to rainwater. This simple switch can lead to healthier root systems and more vigorous growth in everything from your tomato patch to your flower beds, all without any extra cost or effort.
Finally, a well-placed rain barrel system helps manage storm runoff on your property. Instead of letting heavy rain gush off your barn roof and erode soil or flood a low-lying area, you capture and contain it. This turns a potential problem into a valuable asset, protecting your land while storing a resource you’ll need later. It’s a simple, powerful tool for creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient homestead.
Key Features to Look for in a Rain Barrel
Not all rain barrels are created equal, and the right one for your farm depends on your specific needs. The most obvious feature is capacity, typically ranging from 50 to 100 gallons. A 50-gallon barrel is great for a small garden shed, but the roof of a small barn or house can fill that in a single heavy storm, so linking multiple barrels or choosing a larger one is often a better long-term strategy for serious food production.
Look closely at the materials and construction. Most barrels are made from UV-resistant, food-grade plastic, which is essential to prevent the plastic from breaking down in the sun and leaching chemicals into your water. A sturdy, thick-walled barrel will also withstand the elements and the occasional bump from a wheelbarrow far better than a flimsy one. Also, check for these critical components:
- A fine mesh screen: This is non-negotiable. It keeps mosquitoes from laying eggs in the standing water and filters out leaves, shingle grit, and other debris from your roof.
- An overflow port: When the barrel is full, the excess water needs a place to go. A good overflow system allows you to direct water away from your foundation or link to a second barrel.
- A quality spigot: Pay attention to its material (brass is more durable than plastic) and its placement. A spigot placed too low makes it impossible to fit a watering can underneath without elevating the entire barrel.
Think about how you’ll use the water. If you plan to use a soaker hose, you’ll need to elevate the barrel significantly—at least a couple of feet on a sturdy platform—to create enough water pressure. If you’re just filling watering cans, a few cinder blocks might be enough. Considering these practical details before you buy will save you a lot of frustration later.
RTS Home Accents Eco: Best for Aesthetics
Collect rainwater efficiently with this 50-gallon barrel made from recycled plastic. Its flat-back design fits snugly against walls, and the included stand provides easy spigot access.
If your rain barrel needs to be placed in a highly visible area, like next to your front porch or near a patio garden, aesthetics matter. The RTS Home Accents Eco barrel is designed to look like a traditional oak barrel, blending seamlessly into landscaping. It’s made from a durable plastic that mimics wood grain, so you get the rustic look without the risk of rot, leaks, and maintenance that comes with a real wooden barrel.
This barrel is for the farmer who values form as much as function. It features a flat back to sit flush against a wall, maximizing space on a walkway or patio, and a durable brass spigot that’s built to last. While its 50-gallon capacity is standard, its most compelling feature is that it doesn’t look like a piece of utility equipment. It’s an intentional part of your home’s exterior design.
Don’t let the good looks fool you; it’s a fully functional system with a screen to keep debris and pests out. However, its primary selling point is its appearance. If your only available downspout is in a prominent location and you can’t stand the thought of a plain plastic drum, the RTS barrel is the clear choice for integrating rainwater collection into your home’s landscape.
Good Ideas Rain Wizard: A Simple, Reliable Choice
The Good Ideas Rain Wizard is the definition of a workhorse. It doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a sturdy, no-nonsense tool for collecting rainwater. Made of rugged, UV-resistant resin, this barrel is designed to be set up behind the barn or garage and put to work without a second thought. Its classic, unadorned design prioritizes durability and function over style.
This is the barrel for the purely practical-minded farmer. Its 50-gallon capacity is a great starting point, and its design often includes a linkable overflow, making it easy to chain two or three together for increased storage next to a large barn roof. The spigot is placed high enough to easily fit a 2-gallon watering can underneath, a small but crucial detail that many other barrels get wrong. The top is also designed to be resistant to children or animals falling in, which is an important safety consideration.
If you don’t care what your rain barrel looks like and just want a reliable, long-lasting container that does its job effectively, the Rain Wizard is your answer. It’s a common sight on farms for a reason—it’s built to endure years of sun, rain, and snow. For a straightforward, functional system you can install and depend on, this is the one to get.
FCMP Outdoor Catcher: Best Dual-Purpose Design
Collect rainwater efficiently with this 50-gallon flat-back barrel. Features include a debris screen for clean water and spigots for connecting multiple barrels.
For those farming on a smaller footprint, like a suburban lot or a property with limited space, every square foot counts. The FCMP Outdoor Catcher brilliantly addresses this by integrating a planter into the top of the rain barrel. This allows you to grow herbs, flowers, or even a trailing strawberry plant right on top of your water storage, turning a utilitarian object into a productive, living part of your garden.
This dual-purpose design is its defining feature. The self-draining planter on top is a clever use of space, and the barrel itself is a solid 50-gallon collector. It’s made from durable, BPA-free material and includes all the standard features: a mesh screen, a spigot, and an overflow hose. The flat-back design also allows it to sit snugly against a wall, making it ideal for tight spaces near a greenhouse or back door.
The FCMP Catcher is for the hobby farmer who wants to maximize productivity and beauty in a compact area. While the planter slightly reduces the roof surface area feeding the barrel, the tradeoff is well worth it for the added growing space. If you’re looking for a system that works hard and pulls double duty, this is the most innovative and space-efficient option on the market.
Algreen Cascata: High-Capacity Decorative Pick
When a standard 50-gallon barrel just isn’t enough, the Algreen Cascata steps in. Often available in capacities around 65 gallons or more, this barrel provides that extra storage buffer needed for larger gardens, small livestock operations, or properties in regions with infrequent but heavy rainfall. The design mimics the texture of weathered stone, offering a more sophisticated look than a basic plastic drum.
This barrel is for the serious water user who still wants something that looks good. The increased capacity means you can capture more water from a single storm, reducing your reliance on municipal water for longer periods. It comes equipped with a corrosion-proof screen and a brass spigot, and its robust, rotomolded construction ensures it can handle the weight of all that water without bulging or failing over time.
The Cascata strikes a balance between high capacity and elevated design. It’s a significant step up from a basic barrel, providing the water volume needed for more demanding homestead tasks without creating an eyesore. If your water needs exceed what a standard barrel can offer and you want a durable, attractive unit, the Cascata is the right investment.
VINGLI Collapsible: Best for Off-Season Storage
For farmers in climates with harsh, freezing winters, storing a rigid 50-gallon barrel is a real challenge. The VINGLI Collapsible Rain Barrel solves this problem brilliantly. Made from a durable PVC tarpaulin fabric stretched over a supportive frame, the entire unit can be folded down into a small, flat package for easy storage in a shed or garage during the off-season.
This barrel is all about convenience and seasonal use. Setting it up in the spring is straightforward, and taking it down in the fall prevents the ice damage that can crack rigid plastic barrels if they aren’t fully drained. It includes all the necessary components—a filter screen on top, a spigot, and an overflow valve—in a lightweight and portable package. This makes it an excellent choice for seasonal cabins, temporary setups, or anyone without the space to store a bulky plastic drum.
The tradeoff for this convenience is durability. While the PVC material is tough, it’s not as resistant to punctures or long-term UV degradation as a thick-walled, rigid barrel. However, for its intended purpose, it excels. If you live in a cold climate and need a practical way to collect water in the summer and store it easily in the winter, this collapsible barrel is the smartest solution.
Installing Your Rain Barrel for Maximum Collection
Proper installation is just as important as the barrel you choose. Your first step is to select a downspout that drains a large roof area, like the one on your house or main barn, rather than a small shed. More roof area means faster collection. The barrel must be placed on a level, stable surface that can support the immense weight of the water—a full 50-gallon barrel weighs over 400 pounds. A pre-made barrel stand or a sturdy platform of leveled cinder blocks is essential.
Elevating the barrel is critical for performance. Gravity is the only thing creating water pressure, so the higher the spigot, the better the flow. Lifting the barrel just 1-2 feet off the ground makes a huge difference when filling a watering can and is necessary for getting any usable flow from a soaker hose. Ensure your platform is wide and stable enough that the full barrel won’t tip.
Connecting the barrel to the downspout is typically done with a diverter kit, which is often sold separately. This device channels water into the barrel until it’s full, then automatically sends the excess back down the drainpipe. This prevents the barrel from overflowing right next to your foundation, which can cause serious water damage over time. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure it’s installed at the correct height for your specific barrel.
Essential Maintenance for Clean, Usable Water
A rain barrel is a low-maintenance tool, but it is not a no-maintenance one. The most important regular task is to keep the top screen clear of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. A clogged screen will cause water to sheet over the top of the barrel instead of filling it, defeating the whole purpose. Check it every few weeks, and more often in the fall.
At least once a year, usually at the end of the growing season, the barrel should be completely drained and cleaned. Over time, a fine sediment of shingle grit and organic matter will settle at the bottom, creating a sludge that can clog the spigot and promote algae growth. A quick scrub with a stiff brush and a vinegar-water solution, followed by a thorough rinse, is all it takes to keep the inside clean and the water fresh for the next season.
For those in cold climates, winterizing is a crucial step. Drain the barrel completely, leave the spigot open, and disconnect the diverter. A frozen, full barrel will crack under the pressure of the expanding ice, destroying it. Store the empty barrel upside down to keep water and debris out, or move it into a shed or garage if you have the space.
Using Harvested Water for Crops and Livestock
The primary use for harvested rainwater is irrigating your garden, and it’s the best water you can give your plants. It’s naturally soft and at ambient temperature, so it won’t shock plant roots like cold, hard water from a hose. Use it for everything from hand-watering containers to feeding drip irrigation systems, provided you have enough elevation for pressure. Your vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers will thank you for it.
When it comes to livestock, a few considerations are in order. Rainwater is an excellent source for chickens, ducks, goats, and other animals. However, the safety of the water for drinking depends on your roofing material. Water collected from a metal, slate, or tile roof is generally very clean. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, especially an older one, the runoff may contain granules and petrochemicals that are best avoided for drinking water.
In cases where the roof material is a concern, the collected water is still a fantastic resource for non-potable farm uses. Use it to wash down muddy tools, rinse out feed buckets, clean coops, or mix up soil amendments. This still saves a tremendous amount of tap water and puts a free resource to good work, contributing to a more efficient and cost-effective homestead.
Ultimately, integrating a rain barrel system is a strategic move toward greater self-sufficiency on your farm or homestead. It’s a simple technology that reduces your reliance on municipal sources, provides superior water for your plants, and helps you manage your property more effectively. By choosing the right barrel and installing it correctly, you turn every storm into an opportunity to stock up on one of your most precious resources.
