Make a rain barrel

Right now we are seeing the worst drought I have ever seen in my area. For the first time in as long as I've lived in this town (11 years), we are under a city-wide water restriction. They give out tickets if they catch you watering your lawn/garden, or even filling a birdbath!



I wish I had thought of this 3 months ago, my garden would be flourishing. I'll have a few rain barrels around my house next spring, for sure!



http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/29527/how _to_make_a_rain_barrel_for_watering.html

Well, here's an update. I had hubby make 2 of these rain barrels shortly after I posted the idea here. The last week of July, we had a pretty good rain... filled up both barrels, with a few smaller rains since then. Using only the rainwater to keep my flowers wet, even during the whole month of August's triple digit temps and drought, I saved 500 gallons of water on my utility bill for August. Not too shabby, I think. Last year in August, we used 2400 gallons of water from the power company, and last month only 1900 gallons. Quite a saving, I think. Especially for a first year use of the barrels.

Guess if I'm gonna do a real garden next year, I better get hubby to make at least 2 more barrels for my other downspout in the back yard, lol!