Rain Barrels

Why Use Rain Barrels?

Get FREE water by the barrel from your roof and use it when it’s dry outside to give thirsty gardens, flowers, and trees a drink. Rain barrels also help prevent rain from becoming polluted stormwater runoff -- the biggest remaining threat to clean rivers and lakes.

Since 2002, with the help of our Fresh Coast Guardians, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) rain barrels have captured over one million gallons of stormwater each time it rains. Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to do your part to protect Lake Michigan and become a Fresh Coast Guardian.

Due to supply issues, we are suspending the sales of rain barrels from the MMSD lobby. Please visit your local hardware or home improvement store to purchase a rain barrel or register for one of our rain barrel workshops to learn how to install and care for and receive a free rain barrel.

Tips for Selecting a Rain Barrel:

The top is covered to keep out debris, mosquitoes, and other bugs
The spigot should be low on the barrel, so water does not stagnate at the bottom
Use a downspout diverter to redirect water to the downspout preventing rain barrel overflows
Look for a barrel made of thicker plastic that is UV resistant. If it feels like an oversized garbage can, it probably won't last.

Sign-up for Rain Barrel Workshop Updates

The popularity of our rain barrel workshops has them filling up quickly. If you're having trouble finding an open Rain Barrel Workshop, sign up for our Fresh Coast email newsletter to be notified about rain barrel workshops.