Yeah!! When I installed this rain barrel Monday afternoon I wondered if I was going to collect rain… or inspire an end to the month-long downpours. Today I got my answer – it rained for a solid twenty minutes. I was so anxious to get home and check the results! I ran over to the side of the house and water was gushing out the downspout. It made me a little sad to see how much was dumping out the gutter and worried that I was going to open the lid and find it empty. Nope, it was completely full – all 57 gallons worth. Wow. I am so impressed with the system. This is a Fiskars brand and the barrel is made in USA. I researched them online and found that Home Depot sells this model in stores – important because I wanted to really see it before buying. What was most appealing about it is the design that allows the water to continue through the downspout normally once the barrel is full. Other models attach directly to the downspout and then overflow water escapes out an open valve at the top once the barrel is full. Either way though you are sure to be making a difference. Here is a photo of it in action.
