Rain Barrels

Rain Barrels are containers that collect roof runoff during storm events and can either release or re-use the rain water during dry periods.

A rain barrel includes:

• Storage (with total porosity, i.e. empty volume)
• Drain (underdrain)

The processes simulated include water detention in the storage, overflow and drainage (i.e. storage recovery). The action of the underdrain is timed; the time offset between the end of rain and the drain activation can be specified. This feature allows for the simulation of rainwater reuse for garden watering, which normally takes place several hours or days after the rain has stopped.

A conceptual sketch of a rain barrel is presented in the figure below.

 

Figure: Rain Barrel