Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels or other depositories is an ancient and traditional practice. Historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago in Thailand, and throughout other areas of the world after that. With the rising price of municipal water and drought restrictions now facing much of the United States during the summer months, more and more homeowners in our own modern society are turning to the harvesting of rainwater to save money and protect this precious natural resource.

It is a common belief in many parts of the world that water is an infinite resource to exploit as needed, but as the saying goes, “you don’t know the value of water until the well is running dry.” This is especially true in arid parts of the U.S. where most of the municipal water comes from overstressed underground aquifers. Whereas rainwater is considered a renewable natural resource, many aquifers are being “mined,” that is, communities are drawing out more water than the aquifer naturally receives to recharge it.

As drought and aquifer mining begin to call attention to an increasing water crisis, people are seeking ways minimize impact on their municipal water supplies. Rain barrels are thought to be part of the solution.  Just look outside your window the next time it rains and imagine all the water that’s running down your driveway being put to beneficial use in your home and garden.

However, there is another side of rain barrels to consider.  If there was a rain barrel that had a 30 year warranty, this would be the ideal.  The reality is that the UV rays of our sun break down the hard plastic from which rain barrels are made.  Where do rain barrels go when they leak?  THE TRASH.  Imagine this scenario….In 5-10 years, all the leaking rain barrels that are no longer wanted go to the dump.  If you live in Los Angeles, this could mean that more than 20 million rain barrels are destined for the dump.  How long does it take for a rain barrel to decompose?  Centuries.  A better way is UNDERGROUND RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS, which do not beak down, as they are underground and last for many decades!  Rain Barrels may teach people the simple concept of water conservation, but at what price?  Please check out our section on Rain Water Harvesting Systems.

Mike Garcia,
Landscape Design Contractor
Phone: (310) 374-1199
Email : mike@enviroscapela.com
Owner of Enviroscape L.A. Landscaping,
Redondo Beach, Ca 90278
South Bay, California

Landscape Design and Installation of sustainable Low Water Use native Garden Design, Waterfalls, Fountains and Ponds. Drip Irrigation Installation and Rainwater Harvesting Systems.
ENVIROSCAPE LA – Your Gardening Guide in the Los Angeles South Bay Area, California

Serving the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro, Lomita, Carson, Torrance, Lawndale, Gardena, Hawthorne, El Segundo, Playa Del Ray, Englewood, Marina Del Ray, Venice, Culver City, Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood, Bel Air Estates, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Wilmington, Rancho Dominguez, and Compton areas.