FAQ About Rain Barrels
Why use a rain barrel?
Rain barrels provide you with untreated rainwater for your garden. Plants appreciate this water since it is chlorine-free and a more natural temperature than tap water. A rain barrel can also save you on some costs, since the water you collect is free to use – even if there are watering schedules or restrictions! The rain barrel itself also helps protect your property from localized flooding, provides drought resilience as you will have your own water supply for your garden, and prevents stormwater from running off your property and into storm drains!
Basics for the 2025 Season
Barrels are $125 +GST
Hose kits are $15.50 +GST
Pre-orders start April 1st online at shop.greencalgary.org, the first pick up event is in April or May at IKEA – date to be determined – and barrels will also be available from Golden Acre Home + Garden (620 Goddard Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2K 5X3) and will be the same price.
We’ll also be at locations in the NE, SE, NW, and SW select Saturdays from May to June – dates and locations to be announced
Delivery will be through Golden Acre Home + Garden if available (depending on their capacity; check online for details)
Rebate Program for 2025
The City of Calgary and Green Calgary have partnered up on a rebate program in 2025 to provide all Calgarian homeowners with an opportunity to receive $50 back on any rain barrel purchased at any retailer in Calgary after March 31, 2025.
The rebate program will start receiving applications April 1 and will accept up to 3000 submissions. Those who purchase a rain barrel from Green Calgary will also be directed to apply for the rebate. Each applicant can submit a receipt for a maximum of two rain barrels per household and receive $50 per barrel.
Why is the Rain Barrel Program Changing?
Green Calgary and the City of Calgary have endeavored to make rain barrels as cost-effective a solution to localized rainwater capture as possible, as it saves people money, is good for your garden, and helps increase resilience to drought, flooding, and stormwater runoff. A shortage of rain barrels in 2024 was from high demand and limits on production (fewer used food barrels available in Alberta to turn into rain barrels). Those challenges remain in 2025, so Green Calgary and the Barrelman have decided to support different communities, with Green Calgary focusing on Calgary and the Barrelman working with the rest of southern Alberta. This brings with it new challenges, but also new opportunities. Green Calgary is now receiving donations of raw food barrels – such as from our partners at Coke and Pepsi – and working with Goodwill Industries of Alberta to turn these into rain barrels. That said, the limits on production still exist, and so we will have fewer barrels to sell in 2025. Green Calgary and the City of Calgary still wanted to grow the support for rain barrel use in Calgary, however, so it was decided that the City of Calgary would offer a rebate program, with Green Calgary administering it as rainwater harvesting experts!
FAQ
Can I use my rain barrel water to water my vegetable garden?
-Although it is fine to use rain barrel water on your plant garden and perennials, it is not recommended to use the rain barrel water on your vegetable garden. If you want to use the rainwater on your vegetable garden be aware of the risks and take proper steps to mitigate them.
There are risks of contamination from asphalt shingles and from animal waste in the eaves. This can be mitigated with a first-flush system installed in the downspouts, as well as watering the soil at the base of the plants (not on the vegetables themselves) and washing vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
Should I use a rain barrel with my new roof?
-It is not recommended to use a rain barrel when you have new asphalt shingles for 1-2 years, depending on the wear, as a lot more debris will be present.
How big are the rain barrels?
-The rain barrels are approximately 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide and each barrel weighs approx. 25 lbs. Capacity of 55 gallons or 208 liters.
Do we deliver outside of Calgary?
-Deliveries are handled directly through Golden Acre Home + Garden based on their delivery options.
My barrel is leaking or needs repair, how can I do this?
-Generally as long as the damage/leak is around the fittings on the side or tap, it can be repaired. The Barrelman will be doing repairs at multiples of our sales events – details to be announced soon. If it’s outside the regular season (past June 14th), contact The Barrelman directly at email address: thebarrelman@telus.net
I need a plastic barrel fitting or a brass tap. Do you have them?
-Yes we do, but they are not for sale on our online store. Contact products@greencalgary.org to purchase and arrange delivery/pickup. The plastic fittings (overflow connectors and end caps) are $5+GST each. Taps are $6.50 +GST.
I have the older style GC rain barrel that is single outlet, can it be retrofitted so I can join two barrels together?
-Because these are 'single outlet barrels,' they were designed to be solo barrels to function with a diverter. They can't be connected in a series without structural changes. The Barrelman may be able to make the changes/modify them for you, which would likely be less expensive than purchasing new rain barrels. Bring them for a repair (see above) to have this assessed and done if possible.
How many rain barrels could fit in my car?
-3 can fit in a largish SUV, 2 can fit in a smaller SUV, smaller cars can usually only fit 1 because it is too tall for the trunk so it has to go in the backseat.
Do we sell a downspout extender?
-No, try a hardware store. Premeasure your downspout first as there are different sizes.
How do I re-attach my downspout for the winter?
-You can re-attach the downspout by crimping it and inserting it into the existing downspout. Sometimes the downspout needs to be attached with a screw, but often can just be wedged in there.
What if I can’t fit my watering can under the brass tap?
-If using cinder blocks as a base, turn them vertically to get more height. Could also attach a short piece of hose and use that to fill the watering can/jug
How do I keep leaves and debris from entering my rain barrel?
-The screen at the top of the rain barrel is meant to keep bugs and insects as well as leaves and other debris from entering the rain barrel. You may need to clean the screen of any debris after a rain fall
What if I’m having trouble screwing my brass tap on to my barrel?
-The brass tap needs to be screwed on carefully while the barrel is lying down to avoid stripping. Take it slow and don’t force it in or it could leak. Don’t use any plumbing or Teflon tape as it makes it harder to get the tap in and messes with the seal.
I would like to donate a rain barrel (and associated hardware) that I purchased from you a couple of years ago. Can I donate it directly to Green Calgary or would you recommend a worthy recipient?
-Check with products@greencalgary.org as sometimes organizations ask if we have any to donate
Do you have instructions or plans for building a rain barrel stand?
-Unfortunately, we don't have instructions for how to build them currently. We’re working on this for the future!
Do your rain barrels have a removable lid so that the inside of the barrel can be cleaned from year to year?
- For cleaning, there is a bung/plug on the top of the barrel that you can take off, allowing you to rinse out the interior. We recommend using a power washer or taking it to a wand car wash if there's a lot of sediment or algae build-up.
The City of Calgary also has some seasonal maintenance tips.
How can I keep the barrel from growing algae?
You can purchase barley straw that you leave in the bottom of the barrel when it is clean and it will prevent algae from growing. This is available from garden centres like Golden Acre Home + Garden https://www.goldenacre.ca/shop-all-departments/control-products/fungicides/summit-clear-water-barley-straw-bales/ You can also try suspending a small bag full of aquarium charcoal from the bung to the bottom of the barrel.
I have multiple barrels I’d like to connect, is one hose kit enough?
-1 hose kit is usually enough to connect 2-4 barrels depending on how close they are together and how long an overflow you need (20 feet is 240 inches)
-The adapters in the hose kit work for our barrels and when rain barrels are purchased we will give you 1 open ended adaptor/fitting and 1 closed end plug/fitting for each barrel
How do I install my rain barrel?
-give them the video link on our website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rlwz1O_EzzQ
I installed my rain barrel last year. I’m noticing that it has developed a sulphur like smell. How do I clean it? And is the water still safe to use on my garden?
- Clean the barrel as above (i.e. remove the bung on the top of the rain barrel and pressure wash it or take it to a wand car wash). You will also then be able to see inside and determine if there is anything unusual going on. If you still notice a sulfur smell, you could try suspending a small bag full of aquarium charcoal from the bung to the bottom and see if that fixes it. Until you do that, you should avoid getting the water on your plants directly, but you can water the soil as the soil is a natural filter.
Can I recycle my rain barrels?
- If the rain barrel is damaged beyond repair, there are two options. Call ahead to organize your drop-off. Recycling comes with a small fee approximately $10-$15.
Great Western Containers
7905 46th Street SE
403-705-0754
Friendly Earth
4250 Ogden Road SE
403-243-1151
Where do the rain barrels come from?
- Our barrels are made from upcycled plastic. Repurposed locally from food condiment barrels, our high-grade plastic rain barrels are very durable and can last over 15 years if maintained properly.
Where can I get more of the metal clamps to attach the hose to the barrel?
-Any hardware store will carry them
The water isn’t coming out of the tap?
-Open it all the way and check for a clog. Because the water flows by gravity it does not come out as fast as it would from a house hose.
Can I use barrels that contained antifreeze as rain barrels and do you sell the parts needed to convert/modify them?
-We wouldn't recommend using barrels that contained antifreeze (or any other chemical) for rain barrels, due to the chemicals that were in them. The rain barrels we sell on our website are made from upcycled high-quality, food-grade plastic and are repurposed locally from food condiment or pop syrup barrels.
We don't have the expertise to guide you on how to modify existing barrels, but you could do some research online or talk to a plumber. Our rain barrel repairer may also be able to provide some guidance for you. His name is Dirk and can be contacted at thebarrelman@telus.net
Do you sell diverter kits?
-We do not currently sell diverter kits, although we might look at ordering some this year. Our barrels do not require diverter kits. If you have an older barrel that requires a diverter kit, you can sometimes purchase some versions of a diverter kit from Lee Valley or Garden Retreat
How tall is the rain barrel stand?
18 inches.
Useful Links
Answers to some common questions can also be found here: https://www.greencalgary.org/blog/rain-barrel-faqs
This is the link to the City of Calgary website which also has information about rain barrels: https://www.calgary.ca/uep/water/water-conservation/lawn-and-garden/water-wise-gardening-and-plants/rainbarrel.html
This is the website for rain barrel repair. There is often some handy information here too: http://www.thebarrelman.ca/
