Greenzone Online

Sometimes, it’s so obvious. Why wouldn’t you stick a large barrel outside during a rainstorm and collect the water? It’s a great way to save your city’s resources and your own bill.
It’s easy and it’s not easy (of course). Instead of just putting your kid’s sandbox bucket on your patio, this is what you’ll need:
-A disconnected downspout that a barrel can fit under. This ensures collection of the water dripping off your roof and through the gutters.
-Make sure the location your barrel is placed can handle the inevitable overflow: next to a large tree or other plants with deep roots. No concrete.
-You want your property to naturally slope away from your house and neighbors to ensure no flooding.
The water you’ve collected is not drinkable. This water is more for the lawn-and-car-washing variety of chores. Plants love it too because they’re not as picky as people.
Through the wonder of the Internet, you can buy a barrel for approximately $200 (give or take, of course). For those of you feeling crafty, this YouTube clip has the directions you need in order to save the lake and save the rain: Build-a-Barrel