Rain Barrel Resources
All of the resources below are FREE to use and download.
Why should we collect and use rainwater?
Colorado communities are facing unprecedented pressure on dwindling water resources due to factors such as climate change (increased drought conditions) and dramatic rises in population. These factors are resulting in increased water demand for outdoor irrigation.
Implementing more efficient ways to irrigate landscapes while preserving the beauty of vegetated spaces is becoming more important than ever in our state.
Why install rain barrels?
Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, reduce runoff, decrease water pollution, and rainwater can be healthier for plants
Types of rainwater harvesting
Passive Rainwater Harvesting
Use gravity to direct and slow the flow of water. This allows for greater infiltration. Passive systems can collect more water. ie. Rain Gardens
Active Rainwater Harvesting
Collect and store water for future use., i.e rain barrels
Rain Barrel Resources Below
Colorado Rain Barrel Regulations
In 2016, Rainwater harvesting legalized for the first time in Colorado. Rain barrels can now be installed at single-family households and multi-family households with four (4) or fewer units. Collecting rainwater runoff into a rain barrel helps prevent contaminants from flowing into the local watershed while providing a free water source for use in your home landscape. House Bill 16-1005 allows Colorado residents to:
- Install a maximum of two (2) rain barrels to collect up to 110 gallons
- Rainwater can only be used for outdoor purposes such as lawns, plans, and/or gardens.
- The container need to have a sealable lid to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Rainwater must be used on the same property from which the rainwater was captured,
- Rainwater cannot be used for drinking or other indoor water uses.
Install your Rain Barrels!
Resources for hosting a rain barrel workshop
How to host a rain barrel workshop Instructions
Information on how to host your next rain barrel workshop.
Language Access Resources
View the resources below for information on how to host bilingual events.
Editable PowerPoint Slides
Click the links below to access the Editable Rain Barrel presentation slides for your next rain barrel workshop.
How to fund a workshop
While workshops are typically funded by the hosting organization, you can find some other potential funding resources below that can help alleviate costs for independent individuals
Additional links
Other Rain Barrel Organizations
- River Network Project Rain Barrel
- Blue Barrel Systems
- Colorado Rain Catcher
- Quick Rain Barrel Installation Video
- Book: Rainwater Harvesting for the Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster