Rain Barrel Water Quality in Florida
Rain barrel installation collecting from gutters.
View on EDIS
PDF 2023

Keywords

water conservation
water harvesting

Categories

How to Cite

Moore, Kimberly, Mica McMillan, and Lorna Bravo. 2023. “Rain Barrel Water Quality in Florida: ENH1376/EP640, 10/2023”. EDIS 2023 (5). Gainesville, FL. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep640-2023.

Abstract

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, save money, and contribute to a sustainable landscape. However, adoption of rain barrels is low with homeowners concerned about water quality especially from different roof types. Our analysis of nutrients showed that there was no difference in nutrient levels based on roof type. All water samples had low levels of nutrients and no detectable pathogens. Based on our analysis, the water collected from these rain barrels would be safe to use for non-potable uses in the landscape and garden.

https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep640-2023
View on EDIS
PDF 2023

References

Bannerman, R., D. W. Owens, R. B. Dodds, and N. J. Hornewer. 1993. “Sources of Pollutants in Wisconsin Stormwater.” Water Science & Technology. 28(3-5): 241-259. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.1993.0426

Bucklin, R. 2017. Cisterns to Collect Non-potable Water for Domestic Use. AE64. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ae029

DeBusk, K. W., W. F. Hunt, D. L. Osmond, and G. W. Cope. 2011. Water Quality of Rooftop Runoff: Implications for Residential Rainwater Harvesting Systems. (AGW-588-11). Raleigh, NC: NC State Extension. content.ces.ncsu.edu/water-quality-of-rooftop-runoff

Gikas, G. D., and V. A. Tsikriktsis. 2012. “Assessment of Water Quality of First Flush Roof Runoff and Harvested Rainwater.” Journal of Hydrology. 466-467: 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.08.020

Hansen, G. 2019. Landscape Elements for a Florida-Friendly Yard. ENH 1163. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP424

Hansen, G. 2022. Design Strategies for a Sustainable Home Landscape. ENH 1110. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP374

Hamilton, K.A., K. Parrish, W. Ahmed, and C. N. Haas. 2018. “Assessment of Water Quality in Roof-Harvest Rainwater Barrels in Greater Philadelphia.” Water. 10(2): 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/w10020092

Shuster, W.D., D. Lye, A. De La Cruz, L. K. Rhea, K. O’Connell, and A. Kelly. 2013. “Assessment of Residential Rain Barrel Water Quality and Use in Cincinnati, Ohio.” Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 49(4): 753-765. https://doi.org/10.1111/jawr.12036

Van Metre, P. C., and B. J. Mahler. 2003. “The Contribution of Particles Washed from Rooftops to Contaminant Loading to Urban Streams.” Chemosphere. 52(10): 1727-1741. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0045-6535(03)00454-5

Watson, G., C. Claus, L. Barber, G. Beck, J. W. Marvin, and E. Momol. 2022. Rain Barrels – A Homeowner’s Guide. Southwest Florida Water Management. https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/sites/default/files/store_products/RainBarrelGuide10.11.22.pdf

Whipker, B., Dole, J., Cavins, T. and Gibson, J. 2003. “Water Quality.” In Vol. 2 of Ball RedBook, 17th edition, edited by D. Hamrick. Batavia, IL: Ball Publishing.

Copyright (c) 2023 UF/IFAS