Education Materials To Help You Get Involved

Rain Barrels

What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from a roof that would otherwise be runoff diverted into storm drains, streets, or streams. A typical do-it-yourself rain barrel is made out of a 55-gallon plastic drum; however, rain barrels of various other shapes, sizes, and materials can be purchased and are ready-made. In addition to the barrel itself, rain barrels consist of a facuet, an overflow, a screen to keep insects and debris out of the barrel, a modified downspout, and a raised and level base.

Advantages of Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are used to water landscaping features without depleting a potable water supply, which saves money. Rain barrels also disconnect home downspouts that transport water to storm drains and eventually streams. This disconnection reduces the volume of water that can carry pollutants to streams, rivers, and other waterways.

Rain Barrel Resources

How to Build and Install a Rain Barrel
Rutgers Rain Barrel Fact Sheet I - How to Build a Rain Barrel
Rutgers Rain Barrel Fact Sheet II - How to Install a Rain Barrel

Peters Brook Stormwater Reduction Project Upcoming Workshops

Currently, we have no upcoming workshops. Visit Rutgers' Water Resources Program for other rain barrel workshop opportunities.

Photo Galleries

• Somerville: June 10, 2010 Workshop
• Ethicon Employee Lunch and Learn: July 15, 2010 Workshop
• Raritan: August 19, 2010 Workshop
• Somerville: August 26, 2010 Workshop
• Bridgewater: August 28, 2010 Workshop