For some reason that old song that goes "Look down my rain barrel, slide down my cellar door" is stuck in my mind today. Actually, the idea from "back in the day" of rain barrels would be a wonderful green idea for today. We are moving toward more solar power and wind power and should be thinking of water conservation as well.
Getting a rain barrel or two for your yard is a simple and time honored way to collect and reuse rainwater. The barrel can be placed under a downspout and it will fill up quickly. A screen can be installed on top of the barrel to keep out mosquitoes, bugs, leaves, and other debris. Barrels made especially for this purpose come with an overflow and a spigot to attach to a hose. This system is great for saving on your water bill and yet having enough water to keep your lawn and garden green and vital. Water is our most precious natural resource.
There are about 10,000 rainwater-harvesting systems in Texas, including about 1,000 that serve as the sole water source for a home. Few people living in a city or suburbs would be interested in whole-house rain harvesting systems but for a rural area, they make a lot of sense.
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