Water Conservation Information Sheet 
How much water will my rain barrel collect? 
A formula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 1000 sq ft roof yields 623 gallons of water. Calculate the yield of your roof by multiplying the square footage of your roof by 623 and divide by 1000. 
Depending on roof area - a rain barrel will fill up with as little as 1/10th inch of rain. (based on the fact that 1 inch of rain on 1000 square feet roof area equals about 625 gallons of water). Plants thrive on natural rain water - no chlorine, ammonia, fluoride, or other chemicals added to municipal water systems. 
Recognize the importance of stormwater runoff: 
A rain barrel will show you the large amounts of stormwater that is shed from impervious surfaces. Consider the cumulative impacts of stormwater runoff in a large drainage basin. 
Diversion of rain water from the storm sewers 
Typically, rain water runoff is collected in storm sewer systems and released directly into streams. This direct runoff can contribute to flooding in developed areas with a lot of impervious surface. When you collect rain water that would have otherwise entered the storm sewers, you are helping to minimize the amount of storm water that will directly runoff into streams. A rain barrel won't solve the flooding issue by holding back storm water, however it is a good way to help and it gets homeowners thinking about water conservation. 
Tips for using your rain barrel 
•	Do not use collected water for drinking, cooking or bathing. 

•	Keep the lid secure so children or animals cannot fall into the barrel. 
 
•	Disconnect the barrel during the winter to avoid freezing and breaking of the barrel and its valves. 

•	If a moss killer has been used on the roof let a few rainfalls occur before 
collecting the roof runoff. 

•	The screen will prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your barrel.  

•	Consider joining multiple barrels for additional capacity!  

Special note for the winter 
Your rain barrel system and all connecting hoses must be drained during freezing weather to avoid damage. In many cases leaving the drain at the bottom of the barrel open to prevent water from remaining in the barrel should work. It is recommended to drain the barrel then, turn it over to get all of the water out and store the barrel with hoses in a protected area. 

TIPS FOR SAVING WATER INSIDE THE HOME 
Approximately sixty percent of total household water supply is used inside the home in three main areas: the kitchen, the bathroom and the laundry room. Follow these tips to reduce water use indoors: 
Make sure all faucets are tightly turned off and not leaking: A leaking faucet could waste up to 4,000 gal/year 
Replace old faucets with new water-efficient models or install aerators to reduce flow 
In the Kitchen 
•	Run dishwasher only when full 

•	Consider water use when purchasing a new dishwasher: New water and energy efficient models use 20% less water

•	Defrost food in refrigerator instead of using running water: A running faucet uses about a gallon of water per minute
 
•	Use a dishpan or plug the sink when hand-washing dishes
  
•	Don’t prerinse dishes before loading into dishwasher

•	Keep a container of water in the refrigerator rather than waiting for cold water from faucet 

In the Bathroom 
•	Install low flow toilets or toilet dams 

•	Test all toilets regularly for leaks: A leaking toilet could waste up 100 gal/day  

•	Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket
 
•	Replace old showerheads: Low flow showerheads can save 3 gal/min
 
•	Take shorter showers
 
•	Turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth 

In the Laundry 
•	Run full loads of laundry instead of many small loads 
 
•	Consider energy and water efficiency when purchasing new laundry machines: Newer models use 40% less water and can save up to 6000 gal/year  

TIPS FOR SAVING WATER OUTSIDE THE HOME 
Forty percent of total household water supply is used outside the home. Water resources are daily sprinkled, squirted, dripped, gushed and often wasted outside the home. Follow these tips to reduce water use outdoors: 
Landscape Irrigation 
•	Install efficient irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, soil soakers, and efficient sprinkler systems 

•	Set sprinklers for lawn and garden only, don’t water the street or sidewalk  
	
•	Water the lawn only when the ground is dry and preferably no more than once a week: The amount of water used by a sprinkler in one hour is equal to the daily water needs of a family of four  
	
•	Water during the coolest part of the day (preferably morning) and never water on windy days: As much as 30% of water used can be lost to evaporation by watering lawn during midday 
	
•	Pull weeds to decrease competition for water 
	
•	Increase mowing height to 2-3 inches and apply mulch to both reduce 
evaporation and prevent weed growth 

•	Limit grass areas and use trees, shrubs, and other plants that require less water to landscape your yard: Grass turf requires 30-50% more water than shrubs and other groundcover 

Other Outdoor Use 
•	Repair or replace leaking hoses and sprinklers  
	
•	Always use an automatic shut-off nozzle on hoses 
	
•	Use a broom rather than a hose to clean decks, sidewalks, and other paved areas: 5 minutes of running the hose uses 25 gallons of water  
	
•	Collect rainwater for reuse in the garden whenever possible  
	
•	Cover pools to prevent evaporation: An average uncovered pool loses about an inch of water a week because of evaporation 

This information sheet was developed by the Cumberland County Conservation District for informational purposes only.  Information was gathered from multiple sources including websites and other rain barrel programs. 

Financial and other support for the Franklin County Rain Barrel Workshop is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Chesapeake Bay Program.