RTS 50-gallon rain barrel review

What it is and who it suits

RTS describes the ECO barrel as recycled plastic with a flat back that sits flush against a wall, holding 50 gallons of rain water. The description lists a recycled plastic screen to filter out debris and insects, a recycled plastic spigot, and a shut-off valve for a hose hook-up with dual overflow. RTS says the barrel will not fade, rot or become infested with insects, and that it can be linked to other RTS rain barrels for more capacity.

We read the description of the black ECO barrel on a retailer's page, which gives no dimensions or weight. RTS's own site lists a 50 Gallon Eco Flat Back Rain Barrel with the same linking, screen and dual-overflow features, and recommends winterizing a rain barrel where temperatures fall below freezing, since not doing so may shorten its life and may void the warranty. Check the size against the space by your downspout before buying. The barrel suits a household with a gutter and a garden that wants a reserve of water for plants. It is not a drinking water store, as the next section explains.

What the water is for

CDC says you should not assume rainwater is safe to drink, because germs and chemicals have to be removed from it first. It suggests limiting how you use it, for example to water plants you do not eat and to wash items you do not use for cooking or eating. If possible, CDC says to use tap water from a public system or bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, rinsing fruits or vegetables, and watering plants you plan to eat. RTS's own page calls its barrel ideal for watering vegetable gardens, so follow CDC on that point.

FEMA's list of emergency water sources says not to drink water from swimming pools, spas and collected rainwater. For drinking water, store clean water instead: our water storage containers page compares options, and the how much water to store guide gives the official figures.

Mosquitoes and upkeep

CDC says that to help stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in a rain barrel you should add a screen where the water comes into the system, or drain the barrel at least once every 10 days. RTS lists a screen, but its description does not say where it sits or how fine it is, so check that the inlet is covered.

CDC also lists upkeep for any rainwater system: keep it clean, fix or replace broken parts, and regularly empty the water out of rain barrels. It suggests a first flush diverter, a device that sends the first rainwater of a storm away from your collection system, because that first flow picks up the most dirt, germs and chemicals. RTS's description does not mention a diverter.

Keeping rainwater apart from tap water

If you also have piped tap water, CDC says to make sure rainwater cannot enter the pipes carrying safe drinking water, because it could bring germs and chemicals into them. RTS lists a shut-off valve for a hose hook-up, so keep any hose from the barrel well away from household plumbing connections.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want water to drink in an outage, since CDC's advice is to use tap or bottled water for that. Skip it if you will not drain it at least once every 10 days or screen the inlet. If you want a barrel with a first flush diverter built in, RTS's description does not list one. Our rain barrel comparison sets this model beside others.

Can I drink water from this rain barrel?

No. CDC says you cannot count on rainwater being safe to drink until germs and chemicals have been removed from it, and FEMA says not to drink collected rainwater. Use the barrel for plants you do not eat, and store clean water for drinking.

How do I keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?

CDC says to add a screen where the water comes into the system, or drain the barrel at least once every 10 days. RTS lists a screen with this barrel, so check that the inlet is covered.

Can I link more than one barrel?

RTS says this barrel is linkable to other RTS rain barrels for increased capacity, and lists a shut-off valve for a hose hook-up with dual overflow. Check the listing for the fittings you need.

What can I water with rainwater?

CDC suggests plants you do not eat. For plants you plan to eat, CDC says to use tap water from a public system or bottled water if possible.