Water butts

A water butt is a water tank which is used to gather and store water runoff, usually from rooftops via rain gutters.

Harvesting rainwater is not a new concept. But due to the availability of a clean, inexpensive and reliable water sources, its use has diminished over the last century.

By installing a water butt it is possible to make use of the rain water at a later date. This reduces the amount of mains water that you use, lowering both the economic and environmental cost of water usage.

Stored water can be used for a number of things such as; watering thirsty plants, washing cars, or even flushing toilets. If care is taken to make sure that the water is not contaminated and is adequately filtered, then it is also possible to drink it.

In the garden acid loving plants will guzzle it down as they prefer rainwater over hard tap water. Rather than topping up your pond with chemically treated tap water, rainwater can provide a more pond life friendly alternative.

Water butts come in an array of shapes, sizes, colours and materials. From your slim, space saving 100 litre butt, to a rain devouring 1300 litre tank. There are water butts available made entirely out of recycled materials. Others are designed to replicate the look of ceramic terracotta; these can be stylish enough to pass as garden features.

Water butts are tough and practical, and some come with child-safe locking lids. Guarantees are offered with some, to give you peace of mind after purchasing the item.

The smaller, space-saving water butts are ideal for gardens that are on the small side, or when you only have a minimal space to install it. Some of these can fit snugly into corners or in alleyways without restricting access, or even positioned against a wall.

The larger ones, which can hold huge quantities of rain water, are practical if you have a high demand for water use. Another benefit of the larger ones is that there is a smaller risk of any overflow, and need little tending.

When it comes to siphoning the rain water out, there are a number of accessories to aid you in the process. If you are using two water butts you can optimise the amount of rainwater you can collect by connecting them together.

There are pumps, diverters and mini irrigation systems to enable you to direct and use the collected rain water to wherever and however you wish.

Whichever you choose, you are sure to be making a step towards saving money and caring for your environment.