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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
Rain barrels are an above ground form of rainwater harvesting, typically used in residential settings. The precipitation flows from the roof, to the guttering and down the downspout before being diverted to the rain barrel for storage.
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Rain barrels are an above ground form of rainwater harvesting, typically used in residential settings. The precipitation flows from the roof, to the guttering and down the downspout before being diverted to the rain barrel for storage. You can also view how to set up your own rain barrel system at home by checking out TRCA's [https://trca.ca/news/set-up-rain-barrels-harvest-rainwater/ How to set up a Rain Barrel and Harvest Rainwater] page.  
 
{{textbox|1=Rain barrels are an ideal technology for:  
 
{{textbox|1=Rain barrels are an ideal technology for:  
 
*Individual homes, where the owners can make good use of the water to irrigate a garden   
 
*Individual homes, where the owners can make good use of the water to irrigate a garden   
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===Cistern===
 
===Cistern===
 
Expansion caused by freezing water will damage the barrel. The easiest way to prevent this damage is to  drain and disconnect the system in advance of [[Winter#Freezing and Expansion|freezing temperatures]][http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/].
 
Expansion caused by freezing water will damage the barrel. The easiest way to prevent this damage is to  drain and disconnect the system in advance of [[Winter#Freezing and Expansion|freezing temperatures]][http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/].
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For more information on planning considerations and site constraints see [[Site considerations]].
    
==Design==
 
==Design==
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*aesthetic designs for high profile locations,   
 
*aesthetic designs for high profile locations,   
 
Many people choose to reuse or recycle a container as a rain barrel or cistern. Re-purposed containers should be screened to prevent [[Wildlife#Mosquitoes|mosquitoes]] from breeding, and should be opaque to prevent algae from growing.
 
Many people choose to reuse or recycle a container as a rain barrel or cistern. Re-purposed containers should be screened to prevent [[Wildlife#Mosquitoes|mosquitoes]] from breeding, and should be opaque to prevent algae from growing.
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==Inspection and Maintenance==
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Detailed inspection and maintenance advice can be found in [http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LID-IM-Guide-7.7-Rainwater-Cisterns.pdf Sustainable Technologies' LID I&M guide].
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The two primary operational concerns for RWH systems are:
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#A leak developing,
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#Debris obstructing some part of the [[Inlets]] or [[overflow|outlet]] [[pipes]].
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Planning can help ensure that these are identified and fixed more easily and cheaply.
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Example questions:
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*Is the roof (catchment) readily accessible to sweep debris periodically?
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*Could the accumulation of debris on the roof be reduced by removing any overhanging branches?
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*Can the leaf screens be accessed from the roof? Or, are they installed into the [[inlet]] downspout?
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*Will the rain barrel require replacement in the future? How will this be assessed?
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''RWH systems producing higher quality water will have additional maintenance requirements. These will depend on the the treatment technologies being used.''<br>
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</br>
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Take a look at the [[Inspection and Maintenance: Rainwater Harvesting]] page by clicking below for further details about proper inspection and maintenance practices:
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{{Clickable button|[[File:Rainwater cistern opening title.PNG|200 px|link=https://wiki.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wiki/Inspection_and_Maintenance:_Rainwater_Harvesting]]}}
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For a table summarizing information on planning considerations and site constraints see [[Site considerations]].
    
==Performance==
 
==Performance==
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(comments made in reference to draft v. 2, on 1st June 2017).
 
(comments made in reference to draft v. 2, on 1st June 2017).
 
Research in warm climates (Texas and Greece) has demonstrated that first flush diverters improve the chemical characteristics of the harvested rainwater[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135410008535][http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169412006993]. However, the use of diverters does not prevent the development of pathogens in stored water.  Rain barrels are not typically accepted to provide any quantifiable water quality treatment beyond that achieved through runoff volume and pollutant load reduction.
 
Research in warm climates (Texas and Greece) has demonstrated that first flush diverters improve the chemical characteristics of the harvested rainwater[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135410008535][http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169412006993]. However, the use of diverters does not prevent the development of pathogens in stored water.  Rain barrels are not typically accepted to provide any quantifiable water quality treatment beyond that achieved through runoff volume and pollutant load reduction.
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==Life Cycle Costs==
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To learn about Life Cycle Costs associated with this practice (i.e. Pre-construction, Excavation, Materials & Installation, Project Management, Overhead, Inspection and Maintenance, Rehabilitation and other associated costs), visit the [[Rainwater Harvesting & Cisterns: Life Cycle Costs]] page to view accurate BMP cost estimates and learn to plan your own LID-based project budget with [https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/lid-lcct/ STEP's Low Impact Development Life Cycle Costing Tool (LID LCCT)].
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Take a look at the [[Rainwater Harvesting & Cisterns: Life Cycle Costs]] page by clicking below for further details:
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{{Clickable button|[[File:Construction Breakdown RWH No Infil.PNG|125 px|link=https://wiki.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wiki/Rainwater_Harvesting_%26_Cisterns:_Life_Cycle_Costs]]}}
    
==Costs==
 
==Costs==
 
Many municipalities run schemes to provide homeowners with subsidized barrels. In some places barrels can be purchased from around $50.  See list below.
 
Many municipalities run schemes to provide homeowners with subsidized barrels. In some places barrels can be purchased from around $50.  See list below.
Additional items such as filters, screens or hoses may cost extra.
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*Additional items such as filters, screens or hoses may cost extra.
Hardware stores carry a wider range or products to suit all kinds of space constraints, aesthetic concerns, or budgets.
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*Hardware stores carry a wider range or products to suit all kinds of space constraints, aesthetic concerns, or budgets.
Outdoor barrels for the residential market can cost up to $300, these have larger capacity and smart sensors.  
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*Outdoor barrels for the residential market can cost up to $300, these have larger capacity and smart sensors.  
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==Incentives and Credits==
 
==Incentives and Credits==
 
===Ontario===
 
===Ontario===
*[http://www.peelregion.ca/watersmartpeel/residents/rainbarrels.htm Region of Peel]
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*[https://guelph.ca/living/house-and-home/lawn-and-garden/rain-barrels/ City of Guelph]
*[http://www.halton.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=11372 Halton Region]  
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*[https://ecocaledon.org/projects/rain-barrels/ EcoCaledon]
*[https://ecocaledon.org/projects/rain-barrels/ Caledon]
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*[https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Water-and-Environment/Water-Conservation/Outdoor-Water-Conservation Halton Region]  
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*[https://www.peelregion.ca/water/efficiency/home-outdoors.asp Region of Peel]
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==See Also==
 
==See Also==
 
*[[Rain gardens]]
 
*[[Rain gardens]]
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*[[Rainwater harvesting]]
 
*[[Rainwater harvesting]]
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
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===Organizations===
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*[http://www.harvesth2o.com/about.shtml HarvestH2O]
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*[https://rainbarrel.ca/ RainBarrel.ca]
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*[https://rainwatercollectionsupply.ca/ Rainwater Collection Supply Canada]
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===Proprietary Systems===
 
===Proprietary Systems===
 
{{:Disclaimer}}
 
{{:Disclaimer}}
*[https://harvestingrainwater.ca/store/ CleanFlo]
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*[https://www.aquascapeinc.com/rainwater-harvesting-system AquaScape RainXchange]
*[http://www.ecoshift.ca/ Ecoshift]
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*[https://www.harvestingrainwater.ca/ CleanFlo]
*[http://www.rtscompaniesinc.com/main7.cfm?selectedCategoryID=1F838B15-056C-44EC-35DA-0D500EAB5775&bShowWW=0 EnviroWirx]
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*[https://shop.raingrid.com/ RainGrid]
*[https://www.raingrid.com/ RainGrid]
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*[http://www.rainxchange.com\ RainXchange]
   
[[category:Residential]]
 
[[category:Residential]]

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