Rain Barrels

A Rain Barrel Collects Water and Slows its Release to the Landscape

Rain barrels are available in numerous designs and styles to suit your particular setting.  Installing one on your property allows you to capture and recycle rain water, while protecting surface water like lakes, streams, and wetlands.  Runoff will be controlled and potential erosion halted!

The Mille Lacs Lake Watershed Management Group recently wrapped up a Rain Barrel Incentive Program.  Interested property owners were able to save fifty percent off the price of a rain barrel at cooperating local businesses. Many property owners around the watershed took advantage of this program and managed runoff on their property.

Participating Businesses Included:

Isle Hardware Hank & Rental
150 West Main Street, Isle
(320) 676-8670

Agnew Hardware Hank
104 Wall Street South, Onamia
(320) 532-3202

These businesses continue to sell rain barrels and can order the style you choose.

Financial and technical assistance may be available to help landowners implement projects to manage stormwater runoff and control soil erosion. For information, call your county’s soil & water conservation district:
Aitkin SWCD: 218-927-7284
Mille Lacs SWCD: 320-983-2160
Crow Wing SWCD: 218-828-6197

Learn More About Plantings and Managing Runoff

The following short articles from our Learn More page provide additional information about the impact of rain gardens and plantings. Click a title to download a pdf.

Start Enjoying the Benefits of Native Trees! (February, 2021)
Salt-Tolerant Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, and Herbaceous Grasses (January, 2021)
Native Shoreline Plants (April, 2019)
Ready to Plant? (June, 2019)
Why Should I Care About Runoff? (March, 2019)
Trees – Partners in Watershed Health (October, 2018)
Is it Time to Think About Spring & Summer Flowers Yet? (January, 2018)
Five Ways to Reduce Nutrients in Lakes & Streams (January, 2017)

Visit The Ultimate Guide on Water Conservation: How To Save Every Drop to learn about how you can reduce water use in your home and other conservation steps.