How To: Build and Install a Rain Barrel

It's raining in Northern California this morning and we couldn't be happier.

We love the way rain sounds, the way it makes everything smell, and the way it cleans out the air (isn't the day after a good rain always the most beautiful?). We don't get enough of it here in California.

So, in celebration of the rain, we found some great instructions on how to build and install your own rain barrel (warning: it's a PDF) from the Center for Watershed Protection.

Why would you want to harvest rainwater? You can use it to water your yard, and in doing so it will lower your water costs and reduce water pollution by reducing storm water runoff.

Here's a little more information from the Rain Barrel Guide.

And, for a more intense crash course in rainwater harvesting (he even uses his rainwater for drinking), check out Richard Heineken's site.

Related post:
• Good Question: Rainwater Harvesting?