The storage technique works on a large scale in the form of ponds or underground detention, but it can work on a smaller scale at your own home in the form of rain gardens or rain barrels. I’ve heard about rain barrels for years, and have always wanted one. I priced commercial models at around $50 to $100, and being a cheapskate who loves D.I.Y. projects, I decided to build my own. While I haven’t completed the project yet, I have started tracking down supplies. Namely, I found a big barrel. It turns out that our local recycling center sells food grade, 55 gallon barrels for $7, tax included. Mine smells like hazelnuts; I think it had some kind of syrup in it. My next step is to purchase the rest of the supplies and put it together.

There isn’t much to making one of these once you have the big barrel. I think I have most of the stuff I need in my garage already. Building plans are available on the internet (see below for links).

The concept is simple, rain from your gutter is diverted into a barrel where you can use it to water your garden at a later date. You need a way for water to get in, a method for keeping mosquitoes out, an overflow outlet at the top (in case the barrel fills up), and a faucet at the bottom for attaching a hose.

I plan to have mine ready for garden watering this spring. I’ll write an update when I’ve put it together and have it set up.