A rain barrel captures water that flows from a home's roof through downspouts. Commonly, the rain barrel is a 55 gallon drum designed specifically to hold water without creating a mosquito breeding habitat. A tight fitting lid, seal for the downspout, and filtered overflow valve allow overflow water to move away from the rain barrel rather than stand.

Rain barrels are relatively easy to construct and install. Click here for an information sheet with all the details, and here for a parts list that includes photos.

Rainbarrels are manufactured locally by the Washburn Neighborhood Association, a City of La Crosse non–profit group. Fully–assembled barrels are $35. You may also buy the barrel for $12, then get your own parts and assemble the rainbarrel yourself. To purchase a rain barrel, contact:

Randy Magno
President, Washburn Neighborhood Association
rmmagno@centurytel.net
608.784.2377