Learn more about rain barrels online.
GENERAL INFORMATION

HarvestH2O
HarvestH2O is known as "the online rainwater harvesting community." Their web site includes information on rain barrels, tanks, cisterns, advanced rainwater collection systems, and greywater.

 

CONSTRUCTION/INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Low Impact Development Center
While this section of the LID web site targets educators, the photos and instructions for constructing and installing a rain barrel can be useful to any property owner. The Low Impact Development Center is a non-profit organization working to balance growth and environmental integrity.

How to Build and Install a Rain Barrel
Center for Watershed Protection
This brochure includes a supplies list, step-by-step instructions, and photos. The flip side of the brochure is an instruction sheet on installing a rain garden.

 

CASE STUDIES

De la Fleur Demonstration Site in Elmhurst, IL
Marcus de la Fleur of the Conservation Design Forum has transformed his Elmhurst, IL home into a virtual watershed friendly landscaping demonstration site. Visit the rain barrel section of his web site for more information on the three, interconnected rain barrels he installed on his property including barrel design, seasonal maintenance, and photos.

 

FREE PUBLICATIONS

A Guide to Stormwater Best Management Practices
City of Chicago
This 32-page publication offers detailed descriptions of watershed friendly landscaping practices and includes photos, schematics, and information about maintenance, costs, and the applicability of each practice. Scroll down the page for the link to download this free publication.

Conservation Development in Practice
This 16-page publication produced by Chicago Wilderness, The Nature Conservancy, and The Conservation Design Forum provides brief overviews of most watershed friendly landscaping practices and includes photos, schematics, and benefit and cost summaries.

 

PURCHASING INFORMATION

Many cities and counties sell rain barrels at a discount. Some sales are once-a-year, others are year-round. Examples in and near the Upper Des Plaines River Watershed include: Retail Sales