We have a rain barrel on each of our downspouts (except the one that only collects from a 3' wide stretch of roof--didn't seem worth installing one there).

We're not as heavily into the ins and outs as the previous poster, but let me just add my impressions.

We rarely had to use 'house' water for the garden last summer--the water in the barrels was enough to take care of most of our garden, most of the summer.

Because of the placement of the barrels, watering some areas of our yard is a LOT more convenient--they're closer to where we need the water than our spigots are.

Having the rain barrels has stopped the erosion you get at the base of your downspout--a nice side benefit.

Several frogs (or maybe they were toads?) discovered our barrels and enjoyed living there last summer (and we enjoyed having them).

We got ours after the summer season, so we were able to pick up about 8 - $90 rain barrels for only $25 EACH! saving 100's of $$$

Don't forget, you want to consider mosquito control--screening the barrels, using mosquito dunks, or minnows for example. I've been toying with the minnow idea, but wonder if they'd be sucked down into the hose when the water is used?

We've been happy with ours, though--and they have a lot to recommend them.

Is this question for real kaitiechasse?

Has anyone ever used rain barrels to cut down on home water usage? - Not for home water usage, ewwww!

Please let me know if this actually works! - Our rain barrels work for watering the garden and the fruit trees and such.

And collecting rain water does save on the water bill, of course.

Works for flushing toilets.

I would never ever drink rain water, nor do I drink from puddles or garden hoses. My local tap water is tested daily for contaminants.

Rainbarrels are great as an extra source of water. It's storming? No loss of water for the toilet! You also have water for flowers, vegetables etc although in a dry year, not enough. One caveat to consider; are they allowed where you live. Many communities won't allow them. Mosquito control is also a must.

I wouldn't mess with rain barrels. More trouble than they are worth. Our water runs about $11.00 a month for all uses.

Double post, sorry.

This post was edited by Yorkies2 on Fri, Apr 26, 13 at 21:55

"More trouble than they are worth."

Care to elaborate?
What trouble have you had with them?

I, too, would like to know how you've found that rainbarrels are trouble to use? we've had ours a couple of years now, and they're no trouble at all. And since we have 7 rainbarrels spaced around our house and garage, but only 2 useable outside spigots--using the rain barrels is far MORE convenient than watering with 'spigot water' since they're closer. And now that I have them, I do try to plant my annuals near the barrels.

They work very well. I've used them for years. We got ours from an Italian deli that sells them on occasion. I think just 10 dollars. Our vacation home has a well and when the power went out for a week we could flush, wash up a bit, heat a bucket on the woodstove etc. (not for drinking) but i was tempted. And could have if needed.
Even at our primary home it does help with new plantings and a soaker hose. It is free water. And alot of it. Just need to be a bit handy with fittings. We just had a week of rain in NY but many parts have serious droughts. Thinking it is silly is just lack of understanding. If you have been through serious storms like Sandy, you would re-think that. Even those on town water could loose access if something serious happens to the supply. Many here were not prepared at all. We only lost power but we were very prepared. Filled gas tanks, made extra ice, filled jugs from our filter system for drinking water, Pre-ground lots of coffee, haha. (we have a storm list)
With so much rain it is always full. I use a screen and have mosquito dunks though rarely use them. Floating a bit of mineral oil on top will help as well.
Solar pump is a great idea if needed to go up-hill a bit. I can set it open to slow drip soak and go off to work on a dry hot day. Ours is by the garage hidden from view near the greenhouse with a watering can floating inside. Actually more handy than chasing a hose, turning on and off from the town supply, or worse, forgetting to turn off from the source and having a small leak all day running the meter. It is not even that big and 55gal is a lot of water when you think about it. Very easy to attach a few together. I plan to get another. I sacrificed one to make a rolling composter by drilling holes in the sides. A bit speedier that my standing bin system.

During Sandy we had a houseful of stranded friends that had flights cancelled. Imagine 6 adults unable to flush a toilet!?

I'm so happy that I installed 5 rain barrels around the house (each of our downspouts empties into a rain barrel). I've got very little income, but I'm an avid gardener who needs to water her plants! My rain barrels got me through years of severe drought and I'm thankful for them.

I see no advantage to use rain barrels. Water is so cheap here and we don't get all that much rain in Arizona. I have a huge motorhome that has 100 gal of water in case of emergency. Even with family here and watering the yard, my bill is never over $11.00 a month.

I see no advantage to use rain barrels. Water is so cheap here and we don't get all that much rain in Arizona. I have a huge motorhome that has 100 gal of water in case of emergency. Even with family here and watering the yard, my bill is never over $11.00 a month.