Conservation Tips - Rain Barrels for All!

by Amber Ellis, JRA Watershed Restoration Associate/Volunteer Coordinator

Have you ever thought about getting a rain barrel, but just weren’t impressed with their look?

Luckily with rain barrels you do not have to follow a “one size fits all” approach. There are small barrels, large barrels, cube barrels, green, black, and even wooden barrels! However, all of them have 4 basic components: 1) a barrel; 2) a top hole to collect water from your downspout; 3) an overflow near the top to release water when it’s full; and 4) a hose bib on the bottom so that you can connect a hose or fill up your bucket with water.

Two of JRA’s River Hero Homes are what I like to call rain barrel fanatics (in a good way!). David Stokes in Lynchburg has six rain barrels that hold up to 900 gallons of water! Three of his barrels are cubes and the other three are the typical black plastic barrel.

 The other River Hero Home is Margaret Smigo’s in Richmond. She has a total of six barrels that hold a combined total of 330 gallons of water! All of hers are the typical plastic barrel, but range from black, blue, and brown.

 Whatever your style may be, there is a rain barrel out there for you. If you like the classic look of a wooden barrel, JRA is now constructing rain barrels from oak bourbon barrels, courtesy of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond!  You can purchase one of JRA’s wooden rain barrels from Hardywood. If you are looking for a unique holiday gift, and a gift that benefits the James River at the same time, this could be it!