Where to get rain barrels in Austin? (Lawn, Anderson: fit in, sales)

[Paulmmm]

Hi,

We're moving to Austin very soon and would like to get a couple of big rain barrels (hopefully, 60 gallon minimum) to place under our gutters' downspouts so we can reuse the water in the garden. Rather than order them online, we always prefer to shop locally, so does anyone know of any places in Austin where we could buy some? Thanks a lot!

[jclAustin]

Austin has a rain barrel purchase and rebate program. We have a couple that we've gotten through the program and like them very much. Here's a link for more info:
City of Austin - Rainbarrel Sales and Rebates

You still need your own diverter.

HTH

[Paulmmm]

Originally Posted by jclAustin

Austin has a rain barrel purchase and rebate program. We have a couple that we've gotten through the program and like them very much. Here's a link for more info:
City of Austin - Rainbarrel Sales and Rebates

You still need your own diverter.

HTH

Wow, that's great. I wasn't expecting the city itself to be selling them. I'll contact that agency when we get there.

Now a dumb followup question: What is a diverter?

Thanks!

[jclAustin]

A diverter is essentially a valve that attaches to your gutter that diverts rainwater into the barrel. I have the kind that flip up when not in use, letting the rain flow through the gutter as usual. Flip it down and the rain runs into the barrel.

[CelesteDF]

If you're looking for something to collect water for gardening and you want something that will look pretty and not just functional, you should check out the Thai ong jars sold by Big Grass Bamboo. They hold 525 gallons and have spigots for attaching hoses, etc. You can see pics, etc., at Big Grass Bamboo. I know several people that have bought these and are happy with them and how they look in the garden plus no mosquitoes.

[AUS]

You can make your own rain / gutter diverter for free. This one (on the 3rd or 4th page) has a large inflow of water so that collection of the rainwater is sure to enter the 55 gallon barrels as quickly as possible (so it won't lose any rain!)
[url=http://www.rainharvester3.blogspot.com]Rain Harvest[/url]
[url=http://www.rainharvester4.blogspot.com]Directing rainwater into the 55 gallon barrels.[/url]

I see those "diverter parts" (actually a carpet roll core) all the time at home depot being thrown away!

[jonathan stapleton]

The city is out of barrels and no one knows where to get one. I bought 4 from green water and i'm very pleased with them. their website is [URL="http://www.austingreenwater.com"]www.austingreenwater.com[/URL] and they are located here in Austin. I connected 3 for larger collection purposes and the other is in the front yard. I've seen my water bill go down, and it's a great feeling to help save austin water!

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Originally Posted by jonathan stapleton

The city is out of barrels and no one knows where to get one. I bought 4 from green water and i'm very pleased with them. their website is www.austingreenwater.com and they are located here in Austin. I connected 3 for larger collection purposes and the other is in the front yard. I've seen my water bill go down, and it's a great feeling to help save austin water!

I tried the austin green link and it says it isn't a secure connection, something about an invalid security certificate.

Is Austin going to get more rain barrels?

[jacksonian]

Try craigslist too. I'm not in Austin, but I found a local guy that sells plastic 55 gallon barrels for $5-10.

[ordtoatx]

I bought a couple of 54 gallon rain barrels last summer from Zinger Hardware on Anderson Lane. You have to order them online through the Do it Best Hardware site. I tried to purchase similar rain barrels from the City of Austin, but they would have been too big to fit in my car, plus they always seem to run out and it's difficult to get them when they are restocked. I am very happy with my purchase.

The rain barrels I have cost about $100 each and you can still receive the $30 rebate if you are a City of Austin water customer and can prove that you are using them on your property.

Here's the link - free shipping to locally owned Zinger Hardware. 54gallon Poly Rain Barrel by Achla Designs - More Lawn Ornaments at doitbest.com