Attractive and eco-friendly way to put rainwater to work

[Enlarge Photo]

Spring showers certainly may bring flowers, but they can also bring something very valuable for many homeowners -- an easy and inexpensive way to offset your water bills and your eco footprint while keeping your landscape green.

A rain barrel harvests rainwater that flows off of your roof and through your home's downspouts. The amount of water that can be collected is astounding. A 1000 square foot roof feeding a downspout can produce up to 600 gallons of collected rainwater from a one-inch rainfall. That's enough water to fill an average hot tub.

Harvesting rainwater is a viable option if you're looking to save money and reduce your eco-footprint. Collected water can be used to water plants and lawns, which is a boon if you're a gardening enthusiast who often has to contend with no-water drought restrictions and the fear of a shriveled, brown landscape. In addition, collected rainwater is naturally low in sodium and chlorine, making it a healthier option for plants. Rainwater can also be used to wash your car or take care of minor clean-up tasks outside of the home.

The money saved by using rainwater in lieu of municipal water for some applications can quickly add up. Who wouldn't want to find a reduced water bill in the mail, especially during these trying economic times?

Many people are interested in harvesting rainwater but think a collection barrel could be an unattractive option in their yard. Others worry about overflow and potential water damage to their home. Fiskars has developed a series of rainwater harvesting systems that offer peace of mind and aesthetic appeal for the landscape.

These smart rain barrels by design feature a distinctive and decorative design with a worry-free downspout connector. The downspout connector kit allows rainwater to flow from the downspout into the barrel. Once the rain barrel is full the water is diverted automatically back down the downspout away from the home's foundation as it is meant to -- no risk of overflow.

The attractively designed rain barrels rest flush up against your home in neutral colors that blend seamlessly with the landscape and most home exteriors. A handy threaded spigot located on the front of the barrels is at the perfect height to easily fill a standard watering can or connect a garden or soaker hose.

Just a small investment of time and money is needed to add a rainwater harvesting system to your landscape. The reward is a reduction in your eco-footprint, healthier plants, and a savings on your utility bill over time.

For more information on Fiskars Rainwater Harvesting Systems, visit www.rain-barrel.com.