santa  fe  rain  barrels

The monsoons are finally here,  the hot dry weather has subsided for the time being and it has been great feeling more moisture in the air for a change.  Seeing the rain has been very encouraging for most people and their plants trees and bushes are looking greener then before.   Water catchment is very important to have in this high desert climate, whether your catchment system uses rain barrels or above and below ground tanks.  Lets all do our part in saving as much water as we can.  Making improvements to your water catchment systems such as rainbarels in Santa Fe or Albuquerque is the best way to effectively recycle rain water, let’s keeps up the good work!

The days have been getting hotter and hotter building up to the Summer Solstice that is now upon us, and little moisture has come to alleviate any discomfort caused by our high desert's heat and dryness.  Although the recent weather can discourage people from outdoor activities such as gardening due to a shortage of water, this only gives more of a reason for us to collect the rain water when we are fortunate enough to recieve it.  Santa Fe Rain Barrels continues to have a large supply of rain barrels to aid in the development of more sustainable water in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, as well as other nearby areas.  We also have a regular supply of discount tanks and cisterns, totes, and water catchment supplies.  We are committed to helping out with all of our clients' water catchment needs.

Let's minimize the effect of this dry period that we are in by being more sustainable with our water usage.  Please come to us for any needs, questions, or concerns regarding water harvesting and rain barrels in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

For any readers that were planning to go to the Oshara Village Flea Market tomorrow, the 30th of May, to purchase our rain barrels, we apologize for any inconvenience but the fundraiser we had planned for will not be taking place.  There is still a possibility that the fundraiser will be held on a later date.  Despite there being no fundraiser tomorrow, we are still available with a large supply of barrels and other water harvesting systems, and can arrange for a delivery or pickup.

Water harvesting systems have grown tremendously in popularity in Santa Fe and other areas in Northern New Mexico.  Driving around Santa Fe during the day, one can see the tremendous amount of water harvesting systems in the homes of many of the city's residents.  Terra cotta rain barrels compliment the stucco colored houses throughout the city, and large tanks can be hard to miss standing firmly in the yard of some homes, many having a capacity of up to 4000 gallons!  Both rain barrels and tanks/cisterns are good ways to harvest water in the high desert that we live in.  However, for those that are wanting to have even less dependence on city water water, harvesting systems using tanks and cisterns are recommended.  These large water harvesting systems can be incredibly efficient and sustainable.  Some of them collect only rain water, which is directed into the tank or cistern with tubes coming from the canales.  Other water harvesting systems collect gray water from the household, which gets recycled back into the earth when plants are watered. 

The number of ways to design an effective water harvesting system is very large, and more creative ways are coming to be as sustainable living is more recognized for its importance in our lives.  However, no matter what particular method a person employs to collect water, it will always contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.  Rather than using the limited supply of water that comes shooting out of our faucets, water harvesting systems allow us to consciously harvest the water that comes as rain.  By collecting the rain, we can replenish it back into the earth, and in so doing allow for less of a dependence on outside resources for survival.  As we continue to live more sustainable lifestyles we will have a more positive effect on the earth that we live on, and be able to replenish some of the resources that we have used up out of ignorance.

May we all live more sustainable lives!

The rain barrel season is off to a good start and should continue on the road to more sustainable living and renewable water in our community.  Vegetable gardens are being planted, and water from the roofs of many of our homes is being put to good use.  The rain barrel business is selling wholesale rain barrels to various nurseries and outdoor businesses in the area, as well as retail to those that contact us.  We have been out with a trailer full of barrels near the entrance of Eldorado just outside of Santa Fe a number of times already this year, and plan on returning regularly.  Selling barrels on the side of the road like this facilitates clients picking up barrels, whether or not they are planning on it.  This generally takes place on Saturdays, and deliveries are available for those that are not able to come by.  Also, a projected fundraiser at Santa Fe's Oshara Village Flea Market is scheduled to take place on the 30th of May, with other possible Sundays selling there as well.

Most of the information regarding our rain barrels has remained the same, with a few changes.  The regular price for our 50 gallon rain barrels is $60, and that for our 60 gallon rain barrels is $65.  They come in gray, terra cotta, and brown colors, with some other rare variations.  Our brown colored barrels, generally preferred over the others, are $5 more.  Of course we still have a large stock of discount water tanks and cisterns, as well as 275 gallon totes.  Our services are offered to anyone needing them in Santa Fe and areas nearby.  Look for us by the entrance of Eldorado if you are interested! 

The planting season has returned to Santa Fe and the surrounding area, and local nurseries and outdoor businesses are once again offering their services for people's gardening needs.  Last Saturday, April 24, the Santa Fe Master Gardener's Association held the Santa Fe Garden Fair at the Santa Fe Fair Grounds.  The fair brought together local gardener's and related businesses, allowing for everyone to make community connections as well as obtain anything needed for outdoor planting projects.  There were a large variety of businesses at the fair selling things from small greenhouses to plants, as well as much information from the vendors and gardening community.  Santa Fe Rain Barrels was present at the fair, selling 60 gallon rain barrels and handing out flyers and business cards.  For those that attended the fair, it was a great way to prepare for outdoor work and see what's going on in the sustainability and gardening scene in Santa Fe.  By the end of the day, plants were being sold at half price by some of the booths and my dad was writing his phone number on pieces of paper for business cards.  It was a productive day that should lead to a productive year of planting and growth!

For those that did not attend the fair, rain barrels are still available at all times in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, and can be delivered for a small charge.  The price on our main rain barrels is the same as at the fair.  All information regarding rain barrels, tanks, cisterns, and any of our other services can be found on our website.  Water catchment is a service we continue to offer, and are committed to provide in the Northern New Mexico area.  In the spirit of the Santa Fe Garden Fair, may we all live more green, community oriented lives!

 

As the snow blankets the ground and the animals around us prepare themselves for a period of scarce food in the late fall, my father and owner of Santa Fe Rain Barrels, makes his own migration to warmer climates. His trips serve as a break from both the cold and his work, seeing as the business tends to slow down in accordance with what we see in nature. In this light, my dad has left the rain barrel business in my hands until his return in the spring. I am currently a student at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and generally will do work for the business on weekends when homework isn't the only thing on my mind. The majority of our business is during the warm, summer months, and therefore the general pace of the work during this time is easier to keep up with in addition to school.

As the holiday season takes a hold of us, the weather is getting colder and plants remain dormant, waiting for the springtime to continue their growth. Outdoor activity is limited, and outdoor plants require very little attention while in their hibernating states. With all that said, water harvesting is in low need. However, for those who want to continue catching the snow melt coming from the roof, it can continue to take place whether plants are being watered or not. Due to the size of our cisterns and water tanks, water can continue to be collected with ease and no risk of freezing and cracking of the tank. With our Santa Fe rain barrels, however, it is possible for them to freeze and crack. Many if not most people with our rain barrels in New Mexico do not empty their barrels in the winter. Do this at your own discretion, and know that Santa Fe Rain Barrels is not responsible for any damage to your rain barrels if they are to freeze and crack. For those not wanting to empty their barrels over the winter, here some tips in order to minimize the chances of having to replace a cracked barrel due to freezing:

1. Try to have the barrels in a place that gets a good amount of sun. The South side of your home is the best place for this.

2. Check on them to see how much they are freezing. If the ice is getting really thick and you can't see through it or crack it, it might be best to empty the barrel.

3. Maintain them at a level that is not completely full so the water has room to expand as it freezes. This may help.

4. Leave the faucets at the bottom of the barrels a little bit open with a hose attached so that the water can run out and water a tree or plants rather than freezing.

Good luck with all of your winter water harvesting. We are still open for business throughout the winter. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in making a purchase or have any questions. Stay Warm!

Water catchment is essential for the preservation of a clean and reliable water supply in places that are very dry like New Mexico.  For anyone with outdoor plants and gardens that need watering, rain barrels and cisterns are a practical investment that will not only save you water, but also save our water supply from being depleted.  Here are a few reasons to invest in a water harvesting system in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and surrounding areas: