A rain barrel is a great solution to keep polluted runoff from leaving a home and to have a nearly endless supply of non-potable water for landscaping. In the summer, residential irrigation can account for up to 40% of water consumption. By storing rainwater in a rain barrel, you’ll have water for future use, whether it’s for watering plants or filling the bird bath and your garden and flowerbeds will be safe during any potential summertime droughts or water restrictions.

This really is an easy way to conserve water and save a little money. For more information view a video made by the Lions International with the Bowie Lions on their local rain barrel initiative. It earned international recognition for the Bowie Lions Club!

This brochure will give you a little more information on rain barrels and instructions on how to make your own. Finally, once you have installed your rain barrel, please contact Tiffany Wright, the City's Watershed Manager (by email or phone, 301-809-3043) to register it. The City tracks and maps rain barrel locations to calculate the amount and locations of stormwater captured by them.

Rain Barrels Across Bowie

As of August 2021, 317 rain barrels have been registered in Bowie, and they can hold more than 17,400 gallons of water after each storm. This water has a variety of pollutants from the atmosphere and rooftops, and the water flows across driveways and roads before entering our streams. Roads and driveways have many pollutants that are often simply washed directly into streams, including oil, dirt, heavy metals, cigarette butts, dog poop, and trash. Keeping water from rooftops on-site - in a rain barrel, rain garden, or by simply redirecting downspouts to grass away from the foundation - can prevent this.

Where Can I Get a Rain Barrel?

Awesome! We're glad you've made the decision to help protect Bowie's water (and get free water for your landscaping). Rain barrels are widely available both online and at local stores. They are also available from the Bowie Lions Club. In 2011, the City started working with the Lions to offer a lower cost option to residents. To get more information on their rain barrels, call the Lions Club at 301-262-2665. As of June 2019, they are $75 each and sold ready to install. They can be purchased at the Farmers Market in the summer and by calling the club in Old Town Bowie. The Lions may also be able deliver the rain barrel within the City limits but cannot help with installation, though they will provide instructions.

Note: The City does not sell rain barrels or have any Lions Club rain barrels available at City Hall or other City buildings. Please contact them directly.