Rain, rain, how much water in rain?

Spring, summer, and fall rains are going to happen.  How much water falls during a rain?

A number of websites are available to show how much water falls during different storm events.  Some go further and tell you how many rain barrels you would fill.

Rain barrel calculator

A one-inch rain will collect 600 gallons from a 1,000 square foot roof.  Larger homes would collect even more.   The rain water will runoff a room, down a downspout and could all go down a driveway to the street and then storm sewer. 
Where else could it go?

A rain barrel
A rain garden  - direct the flow to a native plant area
A gravel bed designed to have a greater water carrying capacity

Slow the water runoff down, use it for your plants.
Is water collected from your roof safe?

The best advice is to use it for ornamental plants and lawns.  Never drink it.


Plant love water.  Give them a drink.  Harvest water and recycle it right on your property.

Reminder about the Rain Barrel sales.  More info at www.ci.superior.wi.us/news