Rainwater Butts and Different Uses For Rainwater

What Is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater is a precious natural resource which can be collected and utilised for a wide range of purposes. Harvesting rainwater describes the collection of rainwater in either a water butt, or other type of system, for use at a later date. It is an excellent conservation method with numerous advantages which include not only saving water for times of drought, but also for creating a reserve of high-quality water for irrigation.

Why Use A Rainwater Butt?

Plants Prefer Rainwater

It is no surprise that the garden transforms into a vibrant green after a good spell of rain. Rainwater is better for the garden than tap water for a variety of reasons. Its pH levels are preferred by plants and soil, as rainwater is free from hard water elements. Tap water, however, is chlorinated – and whilst this is necessary for human consumption, many plants are in fact susceptible to chlorine toxicity.

Depending on your geographical location in the UK, tap water may have varying chemical and mineral properties which can affect plant growth. In areas where concentrations of calcium and magnesium make the water particularly hard, sodium is sometimes added to soften the water. Such mineral deposits are sometimes visible on plants which have been watered with tap water using a hose or a sprinkler, in the form of a white dust.

Rainwater also contains more oxygen than tap water as well as vital nitrates which soak into the soil and are absorbed by the plants.

Garden Use

Recycled rainwater straight from the barrel is good for watering plants in the entire garden – it is also highly beneficial for potted plants, as well as for starting nurseries, and raising vegetables.

Rainwater Is Free

Outdoor water use can rise considerably during the summer months, accounting for a large proportion of total household water use. Rainwater on the other hand, is absolutely free and also helps to reduce the household’s overall carbon footprint.

Ponds and Water Features

During dry months, rainwater can be used to replete water levels in ponds as well as other types of water features.

Composts

The properties of rainwater can help with the decomposition of compost piles.

Animals

Rainwater can be used to give to livestock during drier months. It can also be used to replete garden water features, which often attract a wide range of wildlife to the garden and serve as a popular location for birds to bathe in and drink from.

Why Use Oak Barrel Butts?

Durable and Easy to Install

Barrel water butts provide an easy and practical method of storing rainwater – made from repurposed Scottish Whisky barrels, these barrels support the recycling industry and are made from durable, hard wearing material.

Barrel water butts are available with various accessories which fit into the gutter’s down pipe to divert excess run off into the water butt. Attachments include rain diverter kits, hand pumps, taps and hoses. Most oak barrel butts come with a circular drilled hole on top to fit the drain pipe into.

Garden Focal Point

Oak barrels create a rustic garden feature and are available in a wide range of different sizes and capacities.

Low Maintenance

Little maintenance is required for oak barrel water butts, providing an effective way of storing gallons of rainwater for use in the garden, especially during the dry summer months.

For more information on oak barrel water butts and other repurposed oak barrel products, get in touch with Stretton Oak Tubs – we offer a wide range of products for your home and garden.