Yes, rain barrels are worth installing for most homeowners when the main goal is environmental benefit, but they typically save only $5–$10 on yearly water bills and take over a decade to pay for themselves financially.
For the full breakdown, see our best Affordable Rain Barrels guide.
A standard 55-gallon barrel costs $120–$160, and modest annual savings mean the math alone won’t convince you. But clean water conservation, stormwater management, and free water for your garden are real perks. Here is how to decide if one belongs at your downspout.
What A Rain Barrel Actually Costs
Upfront cost varies by size and material. A single prefabricated barrel runs $95–$160 for the common 40–60 gallon range. At $0.60–$4.00 per gallon stored, larger barrels offer the best per-gallon value. Basic DIY setup (barrel, downspout diverter, overflow hose, concrete blocks) costs $50–$300. Professional installation: $120–$500. Adding more barrels scales without proportional price increases.
- Barrel alone: $95–$160 (40–60 gallons)
- Full DIY setup installed: $50–$300
- Professional installation: $120–$500
- Larger cisterns: Above-ground $1,000–$5,000; underground $3,000–$8,000
How Much Money Rain Barrels Actually Save
Water-bill impact is modest. A single 55-gallon barrel typically saves $5–$10 per year, giving a 14–28 year break-even point — longer than most barrels last. Regional rebates change this. Los Angeles offers $35 per barrel (up to two) plus free 50+ gallon barrels through “Keep LA Beautiful.” Utah residents pay a reduced $60. Hundreds of US counties offer rebates of $50–$200; some credit $2 per gallon up to 50 gallons. These can cut the break-even period in half or better. Large-scale cisterns storing hundreds or thousands of gallons can reduce bills by 40–50% ($200–$800+ annually), but installation costs 10–50 times higher.
Non-Financial Reasons Rain Barrels Win
The strongest argument is stormwater management. , keeping runoff out of drains and reducing flooding and erosion. Garden health also improves: rainwater is naturally soft and free of chlorine and fluoride found in tap water. Use it on perennials, trees, shrubs, and ornamental beds, plus for cleaning tools, filling fountains, or extinguishing campfires.
The Vegetable Garden Caution
Rain barrel water is not recommended for edible gardens — especially leafy greens eaten raw — due to roof runoff containing bird and squirrel feces plus chemicals from shingles (notably arsenic in wood shakes). If watering veggies, stop at least three weeks before harvest and stick to fruit-bearing crops. Never drink stored rainwater; it is unsafe for people and pets.
What You Need To Know Before Installing
Site selection matters. Connect to a downspout draining onto an impermeable surface or directing water away from your foundation. Place the barrel on a raised platform (concrete blocks work) to improve gravity-fed pressure. Use 16-gauge screening to seal all inlets, preventing mosquito breeding — the most common failure point. Open the overflow valve; for larger setups, connect multiple barrels in series. Clean gutters and downspouts twice yearly. The “first flush” theory — discarding the first few gallons per rain event — is not fully conclusive per Penn State Extension but is cheap insurance for sensitive plants.
How Much Water Can You Catch?
One barrel fills fast and needs overflow management.
FAQs
Can you drink rain barrel water?
No. Rain barrel water is non-potable and unsafe for humans and pets. Use strictly for outdoor non-potable applications like garden watering, tool cleaning, and fountain filling.
Do rain barrels attract mosquitoes?
Only if not properly screened. Sealing every inlet with 16-gauge screening prevents entry and breeding. A well-maintained barrel with tight screening and sealed lid will not attract mosquitoes.
Can I use rain barrel water on my vegetable garden?
It depends. Avoid leafy greens and vegetables eaten raw due to roof runoff contaminants. For other veggies, stop watering at least three weeks before harvest. Perennials, trees, and shrubs are safe.
References & Sources
- Penn State Extension. “Why Use a Rain Barrel?” Covers costs, sizing, installation steps, and water quality guidance.
- LA Sanitation & Environment. “Rain Barrel Rebate Program.” Details Los Angeles rebates and free barrel distribution.
- LA Stormwater Blog. “Rain Barrels Are Rad.” Provides pricing data and regional rebate overview.