Best Rain Barrels for Water Conservation in 2024

Rainwater harvesting is an essential practice for water conservation, and rain barrels are a popular tool for collecting and storing rainwater. Rain barrels can be used to water plants, wash cars, and even flush toilets, making them a valuable addition to any home. However, not all rain barrels are created equal, and choosing the right one can be challenging.

When selecting a rain barrel, the most critical factor to consider is its capacity. Rain barrels come in various sizes, ranging from 30 to 100 gallons. The size you choose will depend on your water needs and the amount of rainfall you receive. It’s also essential to consider the material of the rain barrel. Plastic rain barrels are lightweight and affordable, while wooden ones are more durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Another factor to consider is the design of the rain barrel. Some models come with a spigot for easy water access, while others have a built-in filtration system to remove debris and contaminants from the water. Additionally, some rain barrels have a flat back design, making them easy to install against a wall.

We spent hours researching and testing various rain barrels to identify the ones that are best for water conservation. Our top picks are durable, easy to use, and have a high capacity to collect rainwater. In the next section, we’ll dive into the details of each of our top picks and explain why they stand out from the competition.

Best Rain Barrels for Water Conservation

We all know how important it is to conserve water, especially during times of drought. One great way to do this is by using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for later use in watering plants or washing your car. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best rain barrels for water conservation. These rain barrels are not only effective in conserving water, but they’re also durable and easy to use. Check out our top picks below.

FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45-Gallon Rain Barrel, Light Granite

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and durable rain barrel to conserve water, the FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45-Gallon Rain Barrel is a great option to consider.

Pros

• With a 45-gallon capacity, this rain barrel can collect and store a significant amount of rainwater.
• The flat back design of the barrel makes it easy to install and place the downspout, even in tight spaces.
• Made of recycled, UV-inhibited, and BPA-free polyethylene, this rain barrel is both environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the hose is on the wrong side, which can be inconvenient for certain setups.
• The included debris screen may not be fine enough to prevent small particles from entering the barrel.
• The hose may not drain as quickly as some users would like.

We recently purchased the FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45-Gallon Rain Barrel and have been impressed with its performance. The flat back design allowed us to easily install it against our house, and the included debris screen has effectively kept out larger debris. The garden hose and shut-off thumb valve make it easy to dispense water, and the hanging hose clip keeps everything organized.

One thing to note is that the hose is on the opposite side of the downspout connector, which may not work well for some setups. Additionally, the hose may not drain as quickly as some users would like, but this hasn’t been a major issue for us. Overall, we highly recommend the FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45-Gallon Rain Barrel for its eco-friendly construction, large capacity, and ease of use.

Algreen Athena Rain Barrel

We highly recommend the Algreen Athena Rain Barrel for anyone looking for an eco-friendly solution to watering their plants and garden while also adding a touch of elegance to their outdoor space.

Pros

• The durable roto-molded plastic makes this rain barrel sturdy and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about it chipping, fading, or cracking over time.
• The barrel doubles as a decorative planter with a genuine brick pot look, adding a stylish touch to your yard.
• With a capacity of up to 50 gallons, this rain barrel can collect a significant amount of water to help you save on your water bill.

Cons

• The hose attachment on the bottom may be difficult to access if the barrel is placed near a building.
• The planting area is a bit shallow, which may limit the types of plants you can grow in it.
• The nozzle to connect a garden hose on the bottom is located at an angle that may cause the barrel to sit on it if it’s full.

The Algreen Athena Rain Barrel is a great investment for anyone who wants to conserve water while also adding a decorative element to their outdoor space. The barrel’s sturdy construction ensures that it will last for years to come, and its capacity of up to 50 gallons means that you can collect a significant amount of water to use for watering your plants and garden.

One of the best things about the Algreen Athena Rain Barrel is its stylish design. The barrel doubles as a decorative planter with a genuine brick pot look, making it a great addition to any yard. We love the fact that it adds a touch of elegance to our outdoor space while also helping us do our part to conserve water.

While the Algreen Athena Rain Barrel has many great features, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The hose attachment on the bottom may be difficult to access if the barrel is placed near a building, which can be a bit inconvenient. Additionally, the planting area is a bit shallow, which may limit the types of plants you can grow in it. Finally, the nozzle to connect a garden hose on the bottom is located at an angle that may cause the barrel to sit on it if it’s full, which can be a bit frustrating.

Overall, we highly recommend the Algreen Athena Rain Barrel for anyone looking for an eco-friendly solution to watering their plants and garden. Its stylish design, durable construction, and large capacity make it a great investment for anyone who wants to conserve water while also adding a decorative element to their outdoor space.

FCMP Outdoor RC4000 50-Gallon Heavy-Duty Outdoor Home Rain Catcher Barrel Water Container with Spigots and Mesh Screen, Brown

If you’re looking for a rain barrel that is easy to install and use, the FCMP Outdoor RC4000 is a great choice. With a capacity of 50 gallons and a durable construction, this rain barrel is perfect for collecting rainwater for your garden or other outdoor needs.

Pros

• The large opening and flat back design make it easy to install and place the downspout.
• The spigots on the side of the barrel allow for easy expansion of your rainwater storage capacity by connecting multiple barrels together.
• The aluminum mesh screen keeps out debris to keep the water clear.

Cons

• The overflow connection at the back of the barrel may not be long enough for some installations.
• The plastic mold could be reshaped to allow for a standard 1.5″ sump-pump discharge hose to run comfortably from the barrel.
• The kit can be challenging to assemble, especially for those who are not handy.

We’ve been using the FCMP Outdoor RC4000 rain barrel for a few months now, and we’re very happy with it. The large opening and flat back design made it easy to install and place the downspout. We also appreciate the spigots on the side of the barrel, which allowed us to connect multiple barrels together for an easy expansion of our rainwater storage capacity. The aluminum mesh screen has kept out debris and kept the water clear, which is great for watering our garden.

One downside of the FCMP Outdoor RC4000 is that the overflow connection at the back of the barrel may not be long enough for some installations. We had to purchase an additional hose to extend the overflow connection to a suitable location. Additionally, the plastic mold could be reshaped to allow for a standard 1.5″ sump-pump discharge hose to run comfortably from the barrel. Finally, the kit can be challenging to assemble, especially for those who are not handy. However, once assembled, the rain barrel has been very easy to use and has provided us with a good source of water for our garden.

Overall, we would recommend the FCMP Outdoor RC4000 rain barrel to anyone looking for an easy-to-use and durable rain barrel for their outdoor needs.

FCMP Outdoor Wood Grain 45-Gallon Rain Barrel

If you’re looking for a rain barrel that looks like a traditional wooden barrel but has a slim-line design, the FCMP Outdoor Wood Grain 45-Gallon Rain Barrel might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

• The slim-line design of the wood grain rain barrel makes it perfect for locations where a larger barrel would be intrusive.
• The shallow depth and flat back allow for easy installation and placement under the downspout.
• Spigots on the side of the barrel allow you to connect multiple rain barrels in-series for easy expansion of your rainwater storage capacity. Linking kit is included.

Cons

• The safety rib in the top of the barrel might make it difficult to clean the inside.
• The included debris screen might not be enough to keep all types of debris out of the barrel.
• Some users have reported that the spigot leaks after a while.

We recently purchased the FCMP Outdoor Wood Grain 45-Gallon Rain Barrel for our backyard, and we’re happy with our purchase so far. The barrel looks great with its wood grain finish and fits perfectly under our downspout. We were able to install it easily thanks to its shallow depth and flat back.

The spigots on the side of the barrel are a great feature that allowed us to connect it to another rain barrel we already had. We appreciate that the linking kit is included, which made the process even easier. The barrel has held up well so far and we haven’t had any issues with leaks or cracks.

However, we did find that the safety rib in the top of the barrel made it a bit difficult to clean the inside. We had to use a long brush to reach all the way to the bottom of the barrel. Additionally, while the included debris screen does a decent job of keeping out larger debris, we still found some small particles in the water.

Overall, we recommend the FCMP Outdoor Wood Grain 45-Gallon Rain Barrel for anyone looking for a stylish and functional rain barrel. It’s easy to install, expandable, and looks great in any backyard.

FCMP Outdoor RC45-BLK Rain Barrel

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to conserve water, the FCMP Outdoor RC45 Rain Barrel is an excellent option. With a capacity of 45 gallons, it’s perfect for small to medium-sized gardens and landscapes. The flat back design makes it easy to install against a wall, and the included debris screen and garden hose with shut-off valve make it easy to use.

Pros

• The flat back design makes it easy to install against a wall.
• The debris screen keeps out debris and insects.
• The garden hose with shut-off valve makes it easy to use and control the water flow.

Cons

• The fixed lid makes it difficult to clean the interior of the barrel.
• The garden hose is only 3.5 feet long, which may not be long enough for larger gardens.
• The black color may not be ideal for all outdoor spaces.

Overall, we highly recommend the FCMP Outdoor RC45 Rain Barrel for anyone looking to conserve water and reduce their water bills. It’s easy to install and use, and the included debris screen and garden hose make it a convenient and practical choice.

The flat back design of the barrel is particularly useful, as it allows you to install it against a wall or other flat surface without taking up too much space. The debris screen is also a nice touch, as it helps keep out leaves, insects, and other debris that can clog up the barrel and reduce its effectiveness.

One downside of the barrel is the fixed lid, which can make it difficult to clean the interior of the barrel. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily addressed by using a hose or other cleaning tool.

Another potential drawback is the length of the garden hose, which is only 3.5 feet long. While this may be sufficient for smaller gardens, it may not be long enough for larger ones. However, the hose can be attached to longer garden hoses if needed.

Finally, some users may not like the black color of the barrel, which may not be ideal for all outdoor spaces. However, this is a minor issue that doesn’t affect the functionality of the barrel.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable and practical rain barrel for your garden or landscape, the FCMP Outdoor RC45 Rain Barrel is an excellent choice. It’s easy to install and use, and it can help you save money on your water bills while also conserving water and reducing your environmental impact.

LOSTRONAUT 53 Gallon Portable Rain Barrel Water Tank

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable way to conserve water and save on utility bills, the LOSTRONAUT 53 Gallon Portable Rain Barrel Water Tank might be the perfect solution for you.

Pros

• With a 53-gallon capacity, this rain barrel is perfect for collecting and storing rainwater for your garden, lawn, or other outdoor needs.
• The collapsible design and quick, no-hassle assembly make it easy to transport and store, and the super-tough PVC material and UV-heat/cold-freeze resistance ensure it will last outdoors.
• The pack includes a high-flow spigot, downspout spigot, overflow spout, leakproof washers, and 6 sturdy legs/feet, making it a complete and functional system.

Cons

• Some users reported difficulty getting the rubber-tipped legs into their rubber sleeves during assembly.
• The sealing for the spigots could be better, and some users experienced leaks at the joint.
• The top spigot doesn’t come with a rubber washer for a great seal, which could be an issue for some users.

We’ve been using this rain barrel for a while now, and we’re impressed with how easy it was to set up and use. The assembly instructions were clear and straightforward, and we had no trouble getting it up and running in no time. The barrel is also very sturdy and durable, and we’re confident it will last for many years to come.

One of the things we like best about this rain barrel is its portability. It’s very easy to move around and store, and we love that we can take it with us wherever we go. The 53-gallon capacity is also perfect for our needs, and we’ve been able to collect and store enough rainwater to keep our garden and lawn looking great all season long.

Overall, we highly recommend the LOSTRONAUT 53 Gallon Portable Rain Barrel Water Tank to anyone looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to conserve water and save on utility bills. It’s a great investment that will pay off in the long run, and we’re confident you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.

VEVOR 53 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel

If you’re looking for a reliable rain barrel that is easy to use and store, the VEVOR 53 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Rainwater Recycling: The VEVOR rain barrel is an excellent solution for collecting rainwater from gutters to meet various needs. It can store up to 53 gallons of water, which is perfect for watering plants, lawns, and gardens. It’s also great for washing cars, driveways, and farm equipment. By using this rain barrel, you can significantly reduce your water bill while conserving water.

• A Breeze to Use: Setting up the VEVOR rain barrel is a breeze. Simply place it under a downspout, and let the water run through the top mesh. You can use a bucket or water pipe to irrigate or clean your garden, lawn, car, or farm. The top mesh effectively keeps out bugs and debris, ensuring that the water stays clean and fresh.

• No Leaks at All: The VEVOR rain barrel is equipped with an outlet valve, faucet, and overflow that are pre-installed with rubber washers on the inside and outside to prevent leaks. Even if the rainwater collection barrel is full, excess water will outflow from the top overflow for a better user experience.

Cons

• Quality Issues: Some customers have reported that the plastic feet snap and split when inserting the poles, which can be frustrating. However, this issue does not affect the functionality of the rain barrel.

• Cheap Support Bars: The support bars that come with the VEVOR rain barrel seem a bit cheap and can crack easily. However, adding your own base support can solve this problem.

• No Threaded Hose Adapters: The VEVOR rain barrel does not come with regular threaded hose adapters, which can be inconvenient for some users. You will need to find some tote of press-on hose fittings to hook up a regular garden hose.

Overall, the VEVOR 53 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel is a great choice for anyone looking to conserve water and save money on their water bill. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store, and its sturdy construction ensures long-term use.

HOMJESTIC 100 Gallon Foldable Rain Barrel, Collapsible Tank Water Storage Container Water Collector with Spigot Filter

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and easy-to-use rain barrel for water conservation, the HOMJESTIC 100 Gallon Foldable Rain Barrel is a great option.

Pros

• This rain barrel is made from high-quality PVC frame and anti-corrosion PVC mesh fabric, ensuring durability and long-lasting use.
• The top mesh keeps leaves, insects, and debris away, ensuring the water collected is clean and clear.
• The barrel is foldable and easy to store when not in use, making it a great option for those with limited storage space.

Cons

• The assembly instructions may not be very clear, making it difficult to set up for some users.
• The overflow valve may not be very effective, causing water to spill over during heavy rain.
• The included spigots may not be very durable and may need to be replaced over time.

Overall, we recommend the HOMJESTIC 100 Gallon Foldable Rain Barrel for its eco-friendly design, high-quality materials, and easy storage. It’s a great option for those looking to save money on their water bill and reduce their impact on the environment.

mirainbarrel Rain Barrel

We highly recommend the mirainbarrel Rain Barrel for anyone looking to conserve water in their garden.

Pros

• The barrel is made from previously used food-grade recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly option.
• The new brass spigot and overflow valve are durable and high-quality.
• The easy on/off twist top lid with new plastic mesh screen makes it easy to access the water and keep debris out.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the garden hose size fitting is too small to serve as an overflow.
• The barrel may arrive dirty or with scratches due to its recycled nature.
• The overflow valve is not always included, as some reviewers have noted.

The mirainbarrel Rain Barrel is an excellent choice for those who are environmentally conscious. The recycled plastic material is a unique feature that sets it apart from other rain barrels on the market. The new brass spigot and overflow valve are sturdy and reliable, ensuring that the water flows smoothly from the barrel. The twist top lid with a mesh screen is easy to use and provides an added layer of protection against debris.

However, some users have reported that the garden hose size fitting is too small to serve as an overflow, which may cause issues during heavy rain. Additionally, the barrel may arrive dirty or with scratches due to its recycled nature. Finally, the overflow valve is not always included, which may be a drawback for some users.

Overall, the mirainbarrel Rain Barrel is an excellent investment for those looking to conserve water and reduce their environmental impact.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a rain barrel for water conservation, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve put together a list of important factors to help you choose the best product for your needs.

Capacity

The capacity of the rain barrel is an important consideration. The size you choose will depend on how much rainwater you want to collect and how much space you have available. A larger capacity barrel will hold more water, but it will also take up more space. Consider how much rainfall you typically receive in your area and how much water you need to store.

Material

Rain barrels are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic barrels are lightweight and easy to move, but they may not be as durable as metal or wood. Metal barrels are sturdy and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and difficult to move. Wood barrels are attractive and blend in well with outdoor surroundings, but they require more maintenance than other materials.

Features

There are several features to consider when choosing a rain barrel. Look for a barrel with a secure lid to keep out debris and insects. A spigot or tap at the bottom of the barrel will allow you to easily access the collected water. Some barrels also come with a hose attachment or overflow valve. Consider which features are important to you and your water conservation needs.

Price

Rain barrels come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Consider your budget when choosing a rain barrel, but remember that a higher price tag may mean better quality and durability. Look for a rain barrel that offers a good balance of features and price.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best rain barrel for your water conservation needs.