Why Collect Rainwater?

Harvesting rainwater is a simple, eco-friendly way to:

• Save money on your monthly water bill
• Protect our local waterways by reducing polluted runoff
• Support fish and wildlife by keeping more water in our rivers and streams
• Nourish your garden with naturally soft, chemical-free water
• Reduce flooding and erosion in your neighborhood

During our region's dry summer months when water consumption often doubles, your stored rainwater provides a free, sustainable alternative to treated tap water for outdoor use.

The Natural Solution with Modern Benefits

Rainwater harvesting is a centuries-old practice with significant modern advantages. Each rain barrel installed in our community:

• Captures water that would otherwise rush across impervious surfaces
• Prevents pollutants (oil, fertilizers, pesticides) from entering local waterways
• Provides plant-friendly water free of chlorine and other treatment chemicals
• Helps reduce pressure on municipal water systems during peak demand

A typical home's roof sheds thousands of gallons of rainwater annually — water you can capture and use!

Rain Barrels Available at Skagit PUD

Features & Specifications

• 55-gallon capacity, repurposed food-grade plastic barrels
• Fully assembled and ready for easy installation
• Equipped with:
  • ¾-inch spigot for controlled water flow
  • Overflow valve for heavy rain events
  • 6-inch diameter mesh screen to prevent debris and mosquitos

Pricing & Purchase Information

$67 per barrel — an investment that pays for itself through water savings

Note: These environmentally-friendly, repurposed barrels may have minor cosmetic imperfections and vary slightly in shape and color.

How to Purchase

• Call ahead: (360) 424-7104 to confirm availability
• Payment methods: Cash or check only
• Pickup location: Skagit PUD main office

Calculate Your Rainwater Potential

Curious how much water you could collect? Use this simple formula:

0.623 gallons × roof area (sq. ft.) × annual rainfall (inches) = potential collection volume

Example for Mount Vernon:

• Average home with 1,000 sq. ft. roof
• Annual rainfall: 32.7 inches
• Potential collection: 20,372 gallons per year!

Even during our drier months (May-September), the same roof could collect approximately 5,365 gallons of free water for summer gardening.

Maximize Your Impact: Rain Barrels + Rain Gardens

Take your water conservation efforts to the next level by adding a rain garden to complement your rain barrel system.

Rain Garden Benefits:

• Absorbs 30% more water than the same area of lawn
• Creates habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects
• Requires less maintenance than traditional landscaping
• Thrives with minimal watering once established
• Adds beauty and value to your property

Getting Started

Position your rain garden in a natural low spot or near your rain barrel's overflow area for maximum effectiveness.

Free Resource: Download the Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington for step-by-step guidance.

Installation Tips for Success

Getting the most from your rain barrel is easy with these simple installation guidelines:

Location & Setup

• Place your barrel on a level, stable surface (concrete blocks, pavers, or a stand)
• Elevate the barrel 12-24 inches for better water pressure and to accommodate a watering can
• Position near a downspout that drains a substantial roof area
• Ensure the overflow valve points away from your home's foundation

Connecting to Your Downspout

• Option 1: Cut your downspout 2-3 inches above the barrel and install a flexible elbow to direct water through the mesh screen
  
  
• Option 2: Use a rain barrel diverter kit (available at hardware stores) for a more integrated setup

Year-Round Maintenance

• Clean the mesh screen periodically to remove leaves and debris
• Drain completely before freezing temperatures arrive
• Winter option 1: Detach from downspout and store upside-down during winter months
• Winter option 2: Keep barrel attached but leave the spigot open with a hose directing water away from your foundation
• Check the area around the spigot for leaks each spring — if found, a simple application of silicone caulk will fix it  

Water Usage Tips

• Attach a soaker hose for slow garden irrigation
• Use a watering can for potted plants and seedlings
• Add a second barrel in series for increased capacity

Ready to Start Harvesting Rain?

Contact Customer Service at (360) 424-7104 to learn more about our rain barrel program or to schedule your barrel pickup!