Water conservation to save money often is helpful to remember on dry days. Rain barrels help to conserve valuable rainwater. Having a rain barrel or multiple barrels helps to reduce stormwater runoff and the amount of oil from asphalt and other pollutants getting into streams, lakes, rivers and ultimately, the ocean.
However, during a cold snap, it would be a good idea to empty your rain barrels at home periodically to help prevent cracking of the brass faucets or PVC valve attachments that often are used on those barrels. Lately the weather has been cold here in Richmond, VA, and sometimes it can get down into the low 20s. That's very cold for our area.
During the spring and summer months, rain barrels are especially useful and help reduce the expense of using tap water. Other than helping to water outdoor (and indoor) plants and the lawn, having good supply of rain barrel water also can help with filling up outdoor ponds in the backyard or front, fountains and birdbaths.
Even if you prefer to do as little gardening as possible, having one or more rain barrels does help offset the cost of watering lawns, trees or other plants in the spring and summer. Based on my own experience, I've found that using a soaker hose at night that's attached to the rain barrel helps with the penetration and retention of water in the ground. Being able to save on total operational expenses at home also is a great help!
Above are attached rain barrels in my backyard. Any surplus from barrel #1 goes to #2.
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