Rain Water Harvesting Systems

There are two types of rain water harvesting systems: OPEN and CLOSED.

A closed system requires a diverter, because when the rain barrel fills up, the water backwashes up the downspout. However, open systems do not require a diverter because they contain overflow valves at the back of the rain barrels. This overflow valve can be connected to tubing to direct the water away from your foundation. For instance, 1.5” non-kink, ribbed tubing can usually be purchased from a hardware store.

Tip: Don't purchase an open rain barrel without a mosquito screens, otherwise the rain barrel will attract mosquitos.

Algreen's rain barrels are all OPEN systems. Both the Cascata and the Agua come with mosquito screens, and a 1¼" overflow valve. This overflow valve has been designed to accommodate 1.5" tubing, which can be clamped to the valve.