rain barrel
Quick Summary
A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater, often placed to catch water from eaves. These barrels are a simple form of a rainwater harvesting system, which technology collects and stores rainwater for various uses. While a rain barrel itself is a basic container, more elaborate systems can include pumps, tanks, and purification systems. The collected water, even if nonpotable, can be used for irrigating landscapes, flushing toilets, washing cars, or laundering clothes. Rainwater harvesting, including the use of rain barrels, can help conserve water resources, especially in areas facing water scarcity, and reduce the demand on municipal water systems.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
