We have 2 rain barrels too and we use them for our garden and our flowers. Every little bit helps.

Great set up! That's what I plan on doing too!

Barrels can come in different colors and thicknesses. I prefer the darker, thicker ones as I would think white or blue would allow light to penetrate and therefore grow algae.

You always, ALWAYS, want to use a barrel that contained food grade product. No matter how much you've cleaned them out, we all know plastic absorbs whatever was in it. Even two years later I can still smell Pepper's in mine.

The first barrel in the run is the only one with a screen, all the rest have the original lids well sealed. I put 1/4 of a cake of mosquito dunk (non-toxic) in the first barrel. Even tho the screen is quite fine, just in case.

The hose hook-up's to link them wasn't big enough for the rain we get. I've gone to a larger clear tubing.

As far as the amount of rain we get vs where you live, you'd be quite surprised how little roof sq footage you need to fill a 55 gallon barrel.

Bonnie,

The dog cots are Coolaroo brand. Google it, you can get them many places. I've had those outside, but undercover, for 4 yrs and they've held up well. There is a replacement cover if I ever needed it.

For inside the house I use Kuranda. Expensive but more attractive.

Thanks I will pass the info onto my son...

Did you know that in some states it is now against the law to catch rain water?

Check this out on the Internet, might shock you.

great idea!

Colorado has such a law I know in 2008, not sure if the legislature has changed that yet.

Edited: With a bit of googling, Colorado's law was changed in 2009. Despite the internet info that they are illegal in my state, that is incorrect info. Not only are they legal, our city offers discounts on purchases of pre-made barrels.

So, how many people set up rain barrels?????