A rain barrel is a vessel used to capture and temporarily store rainwater for future use. A rain barrel can be connected to a downspout from a roof; rain that is caught can later be used for watering the yard and garden. A traditional residential rain barrel consists of a barrel with a sealed, leaf/mosquito screen on the lid; a connection to a downspout; drain-hose or angled runoff pipe for overflows; and a spigot usually connected to a garden hose. Often the barrel is raised on cement blocks or put on a gravel foundation. 
 
 Some communities in Lake County have ordinances in place that require residential downspouts to be connected to an underground pipe. Check with your community if you are not sure. For homeowners in those communities who would like to purchase a rain barrel yet be in compliance with the local downspout connection ordinance, downspout diverters are available online.
 
For more information, visit the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County's website.