Metro Water Services

Rain Barrels

Metro Water Services Launches New Rain Barrel Initiative

Order your rain barrel online and choose from our new installation and delivery services.

We welcome your feedback on our rain barrel initiative. Please contact us with any comments or questions about the rain barrels, delivery and installation services, and the website.

THE RAINSTATION - $88

60 gallons
Downspout diverter
Spigot & hose connections

Rainstation

THE RAINTAINER - $75

50 gallons
Planter top & wick
2 spigots and Flexible hose attachment

Raintainer

Rain Barrel Installation & Delivery Services

  • Installation Service - $38
  • Delivery
    • $20 within Davidson County
    • Out of County? $0.69/mile delivery charge
  • Local Pick Up with paid receipt – no extra charge
    • Pick up times: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 2 PM
    • Pick Up Address: Engineering Sheetmetal Specialist LLC
      1211 57th Avenue North
      Nashville, Tn 37209 [Map]
    • Phone Number: (615) 256-4544
  • (Please note: Rain barrels must be ordered online. A customer receipt is required when rain barrels are picked up)

Rain Barrels Available in Nashville

Looking for a rain barrel and want to compare styles? As of June 23, 2010 we have found rain barrels available in Nashville at the following locations:

NOTE: Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by Metro Water Services. Efforts are taken to update and verify this information, however, Metro Water Services cannot guarantee the products listed, or whether the products will be in stock or available; please contact the seller for more information. To be included on this list please email us with the name and phone number of the business for verification purposes.

We ALL Can Use Water Wisely in the Garden Learn How YOU Can Do Your Part

Thanks to the Cumberland River Nashville has an abundant supply of water. But it's important that we all use water wisely, especially on our lawns and gardens and other times when we don't really need to use drinking water to get the job done. Fixing leaky faucets, catching rinse water in a bowl to water outdoor plants, and even catching rain water in a bucket to use when you scrub the patio are smart yet simple ideas that we call can use to save water and save money.

FOOD GARDEN SAFETY

For information on vegetable/fruit gardens that were flooded or splashed by river water during the flood, please see Safety of Produce from Flooded Gardens from University of Wisconsin Extension.

What is a Rain Barrel?
To the average homeowner, a rain barrel is merely a simple and inexpensive way to catch and store rainwater as it flows from a building's roof into the gutters and downspouts. This stored water then becomes a great alternative to tap/city water and can be used during periods of dry or drought to water gardens, trees, and other plants. This is FREE WATER and obviously the homeowner saves money.

MAKE YOUR OWN RAIN BARREL

Rain Barrel Workshops held by Cumberland River Compact. More Information

How To Make Your Own Rain Barrel A simple and inexpensive way to catch and store rainwater that can later be used to water your lawns and gardens during dry periods.

ABOUR RAIN BARRELS

Why is a Rain Barrel good for the Environment?
Water coming from your tap has been treated at the treatment plant in order to make it suitable for drinking. This process requires large amounts of energy; therefore using rainwater instead of treated tap/city water for irrigating plants saves energy. Second, stormwater falling on an impervious area such as pavement, concrete, or a rooftop generally drains straight to a storm drain, ditch, or directly into a creek instead of soaking into the ground. As these impervious areas drain; the stormwater carries whatever pollutants (herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, dog waste, etc.) it picks up along the way and deposits them into our streams. Impervious areas also mean that water that would have otherwise been absorbed into the ground and gradually seeped back into our streams over a period of days, now flows straight through our stream system in the course of hours, many times causing flooding. This accelerated draining process not only increases flooding but it also leaves our streams lower and drier for longer periods of time. Therefore, if we catch stormwater in a barrel and later release this water back into the ground when watering our gardens and trees, we're both decreasing the flooding that rain event would have otherwise caused and helping to replenish the ground water and the streams during that period of dry when the streams need it most.

Why is a Rain Barrel good for your plants?
Rain is naturally soft water and devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals. For this reason, Plants respond very well to rainwater.
How much water can you collect? For every inch of rainfall that falls on a catchment area of 1,000 sq. ft. you can expect to collect approximately 600 gallons of rain water. Your roof catchment area is equal to the total square feet of your house (one story) plus the extension of your eaves. To calculate the square footage of your home's catchment area, measure the outside walls of your home, including the overhang of any eaves. Multiply the width times the length of your home to get the total roof catchment area. Let's say your home has a roof catchment area of 2,000 sq. feet. Since one inch of rainfall provides approximately 600 gallons of water for a 1,000 sq. ft catchment area, you could collect 1200 gallons during a 1” rain. More Information

Installation of a Rain Barrel

  • Position the rain barrel (with blocks under it) adjacent to a downspout and remove enough of the downspout (with a hacksaw) so that there is ample room to attach a 45 degree elbow still allowing the rain barrel to easily fit underneath with approximately 2" of clearance.
  • Your rain barrel must be secured on a raised, level surface (like concrete blocks). A full 55 gallon rain barrel weighs over 400 Ibs. and tipping is a risk if it is unsecured or on uneven ground.
  • Divert your overflow to a safe discharge location away from your homes foundation.
  • The barrel must have a lid and a fine mesh screen covering any openings to prevent mosquitoes and debris from getting inside.
  • Do not use moss control or other chemicals on your roof that are not garden safe.
  • NEVER use water from the rain barrel for drinking, cooking or other potable uses.

Maintenance

  • Periodically brush the screen to prevent accumulation of debris.

Winterizing

  • Discontinue use of your rain barrel before the first frost.
  • Empty the rain barrel completely.
  • Clean the rain barrel with mild dishwashing liquid.
  • Store the rain barrel upside down to prevent water from collecting in it.

Questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email Sonia Harvat.