rain water collection barrels

[Karamom]

I really would like to set up a rain water collection barrel. Are there any low cost alternatives to the big plastic barrels? I'm thinking plastic might not be such a good idea especially since it will be sitting out in the sun. I'm planning on using the water for the garden and animals and if times ever get really tough, like an emergency, for drinking water. My husband and I aren't great at building stuff so I'm thinking a pre-made one might be best although I would like it to be under $100 (maybe just over would be ok) TIA!

[Starlight_rose]

I am also wondering the same thing.

[GardenStream]

You could definitely get some metal barrels instead of plastic ones. Of course, you would have to look for ones which aren't lined.

We're in the process of building a green house off our barn and there is no electricity or running water out there, so we'll be installing a rain water collection system. The greenhouse itself will be using water filled barrels for passive solar heating.

We're using 2 plastic totes for the rain water system. They're 275 gallons each and they'll be connected. We got those for $10 each.

The heating system will be using 34 barrels that hold 55 gallons each. We got those for $8 each.

Of course, I have no intention of drinking the water out of either of them. They're all previously contained water based, food grade items and that was good enough for me.

[kimmom]

From what I have found any metal ones have had scary liquids in them before.. Even plastic ones you ned to check what they were used for before if you are buying recycled ones. We got ours from the local beer brewing place, so they had malt in them. You can also protect them from getting sun damage or light hitting the plastic by building a cedar box or something around them..

[mattemma04]

I just use plastic garbage cans with pvc piping at the top(at a slant) to allow water run off to fill the next can.

I have always wanted to get the 55 gallon plastic barrels that had cherries in them. I read an article once of a woman who used those and it smelled really nice after rains.Olive oil barrel would be good too.Sometimes pop companies will give/sell the plastic barrels.

I recently saw on the pbs show this old house where they helped a couple install a rainwater bladder bag.It was huge and has a small motor to help with pulling the water out for the watering.It was 2k though! I will stick with my garbage cans.Sometimes on craigs I see the 55gallon barrels for $10 each.People are getting hip to them though and raising prices on their free finds!