Rain Barrels
This page is for Master Watershed Stewards considering a Behavior Change campaign in their communities. To learn more about what you can do as an individual click here.
Rain barrels are for more than just a slow, steady watering to your plants. Rain barrels are primarily a way to slow down rain water and soak it into the ground gradually. This reduces flooding and erosion during major rain events and helps recharge groundwater. Although rain barrels may not capture the total runoff from a rainstorm, they capture the first flush, which contains the most polluted water. Rain barrels do not filter water on their own, but temporarily capture rain water from downspouts and slowly release it through a small spigot over the 48 hours following a rain event, until drained. Water drained on pervious surfaces soaks into the ground where it is cleaned and cooled. Encourage the pairing of rain barrels with conservation landscapes. Rain barrels come in many sizes and colors and can be attached to almost any downspout.
CampaiGN DEVELOPED By WSA
Commitment (CT)
Social Norms (SN)
Social Diffusion (SD)
Community Events
Prompts (P)
Communications (C)
Demonstration Rain Barrel*; Rain Barrel Flyer*; Customized Barrels; Postcard*; Roadside Signs*; Social Media/ Email; Demo Barrel Posters*; Vendor List*; Information Packets*
Incentives (I)
Rain Barrel Bulk Order For Stewards*
Convenience (CV)
Offer Rain Barrel Installation Help*; Design Template for Painting Rain Barrels*
Feedback (F)
* Available in editable and/or hardcopy formats from WSA. Click for digital version or email setgen@aawsa.org to check hardcopy availability.
Choose this behavior in a community with a high water table and flooding problems. Click here for a brief overview of the Rain Barrel Campaign that WSA already has developed.
Behavior: Install and properly use one or more rain barrels on your property.
Some of the common perceived or actual barriers to installing and properly using one or more rain barrels include:
Some of the common perceived or actual benefits of installing and properly using one or more rain barrels include:
1. I use the water for my garden.
2. It's environmentally friendly.
3. I can use it as an emergency water supply.
4. I can capture the runoff from my roof.
5. It cuts down on the volume of water on my property.
6. They are convenient to use.
See what others have done!
Case Studies:
The Art and Science of Rain Barrels: A Service Learning Approach to Youth Watershed Action
City of Lincoln Watershed Management