ALABAMA: Have you ever wondered where all that rain goes after it hits your roof? With more people becoming interested in collecting rainwater these days, homeowners are finding ways to put those rainy days to good use!
Believe it or not, a 1,000-square-foot roof can shed approximately 623 gallons of water from just one inch of rainfall! That’s a whole lot of water flowing through your gutters and straight into the yard when it could be collected and used instead.
Your garden may thank you! Rainwater is naturally low in dissolved salts and doesn’t contain the chlorine typically found in treated tap water. Its slightly acidic nature may also help certain plants access nutrients, depending on the soil and the type of plant.
With more homeowners looking for practical ways to conserve water and make the most of natural resources, rain barrels and storage tanks are becoming an appealing option. Even a small collection system can capture hundreds of gallons over time for watering flowers, vegetable gardens and landscaping.
Think about it the next time it rains in the Wiregrass. All that water rolling off your roof could be helping your garden grow instead of simply running down the driveway!
A little planning can turn a rainy day into a resource worth saving.
SAFETY TIP: Collected rainwater is great for many outdoor uses, but don’t drink it unless it has been properly treated. Keep rain barrels and storage containers covered to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Sometimes, the best things in life really do fall right out of the sky!
