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2 Alternatives to Rain Barrels, if You've Got Something Against Rain Barrels

Josh Peterson

By Josh Peterson
Fayetteville, AR, USA | Mon Oct 06, 2008 02:00 AM ET

homemade rain spout


YASUSHI AKIMOTO/istockphoto

Some people are tired of barrels. I would guess that the Italian fellow from Donkey Kong is very sick of barrels what with that ape always hurling them. Barrel coopers probably need to take a rousing vacation away from their stock of moderately priced barrels from time to time. Those monkeys that are always linking arms inside barrels are probably tired of being cooped up even though it probably feeds their apparent codependence. But I am digressing.

The cheapest and easiest way to harness rainwater is with a barrel, but barrels aren't for everyone. Some people might think that barrels are an eyesore, but they want to stop harvesting rainwater with their fine china. Here are a couple solutions.

  1. One alternative to the rain barrel is the cistern. A cistern is very similar to a barrel, but it is bigger and located underground. Cisterns require a more complicated catchment system and will cost more money than a barrel. It will be less of an eyesore, however. A cistern can easily provide non-potable water for in-house use.

  2. Another way to collect rainwater is to build a drainage system that collects in a manmade. This pond should gather all your rainwater. It is an attractive way to be green, and although the water can be harvested to wash the car or do the laundry, it might just be better to look at. Plus, the water's not really going to waste. It's only there temporarily until it evaporates and falls as rain somewhere else. It's kind of like a halfway house for rain.

If you don’t like barrels but want to collect rainwater, these solutions might be for you.

 
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