Water with rainwater – good for both the environment and your wallet

In recent years, during periods of drought, municipal watering bans have become more common. This alone is a good reason to have your own rainwater supply. But even under normal weather conditions, it’s often better to water with rainwater than with tap water.

1. Most plants appreciate rainwater
   Rainwater is not treated with chlorine and contains lower levels of lime compared to tap water. Acid-loving plants such as conifers, heather, blueberries, and rhododendrons thrive significantly better when watered with rainwater.
2. You save energy
   Tap water needs to be purified and transported through pipes to our homes – a process that consumes energy. By watering with rainwater, you save that energy. Rainwater is good for the environment!
3. You save money
   Tap water costs money – rainwater is, of course, completely free.

For a garden to be properly soaked by rain, it often takes more than 10 millimeters of precipitation. A typical house roof of one hundred square meters yields about 100 liters of water if it rains around one millimeter – the equivalent of a short summer shower – but by collecting the water efficiently, you can spot water where it’s needed.

Rainwater can be collected in tanks and ponds, but water barrels placed at downspouts are perhaps the most common option – they often hold 100–200 liters. To maximize your “water harvest,” you can place a barrel at each corner of the house.

There are practical barrels with taps available, as well as more advanced solar-powered irrigation systems. The latest models on the market can distribute water evenly – even while you're away. You can also connect a simple hose that drips water exactly where you need it. If the barrel is placed slightly above ground level, it’s easier to fit a watering can under the tap.

Tip: Greenhouse roofs and garage roofs also collect water, so it’s a good idea to place a barrel there as well. It’s especially convenient by the greenhouse – the water will be right where you need it.

One important thing to keep in mind when you have water containers on your property is that they are child-safe. Always use childproof lids – they also prevent insects, squirrels, and other small creatures from drowning. Leaves and debris in the barrel can be minimized by using a mesh or filter in the downspouts.

If the rain barrel is too small, you can connect multiple barrels in series or get a larger one. For example, you can drill a hole high up near the edge of the barrel and attach a hose to redirect the water to a new collection area or a garden bed where you could use a bit more water.

It's a good idea to water after it has already rained a little, as the water won't evaporate as quickly as when the ground is completely dry, allowing it to reach deeper into the soil. It's also wise to avoid watering in the middle of the day or during windy conditions, as the water will evaporate faster.

A covered, moisture-retentive soil with good structure significantly reduces the need for watering. For example, proper mulching can reduce water requirements by around seventy percent.

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