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Rain Barrels and Cisterns: Calculating Water Collection Potential

Rain barrels are viable but capacity matters. One inch of rain on 1,000 sq ft of roof yields about 625 gallons—more than twelve 50-gallon barrels. Calculate your roof area and rainfall to determine how many barrels you need. Cost and space may limit practicality.

About Gardening: Rain Water Barrels: Eco‑Friendly Watering for Your Garden; Rain Barrel Buying Guide: Types, Sizing & Installation; Rain Barrels: Free Water for a Thriving Garden; Is a Rainwater Cistern Right for Your Property?; Algae in Rain Barrel: Safe for Plants; Using a Pump with Rain Barrels: Pressure and Volume Limits; Rain Barrel Freeze Protection: Drain Before Hard Freeze, No Safe Antifreeze; Rain Barrel Freeze Protection: Drain Before Hard Freeze, No Safe Antifreeze; Using Rain Barrels: Economics, Collection, and Distribution Realities; Rain Barrel Downspout Diverter Valves: Managing Overflow

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