Rain Barrels & Cisterns

Rain Barrel Important Information

Due to supply issues, we are suspending the sales of rain barrels from our lobby. Please visit your local hardware or home improvement store to purchase a rain barrel.

Tips for Selecting a Rain Barrel:

The top is covered to keep out debris, mosquitoes, and other bugs
The spigot should be low on the barrel, so water does not stagnate at the bottom.
Use a downspout diverter to redirect water to the downspout preventing rain barrel overflows.
Look for a barrel made of thicker plastic that is UV resistant. If it feels like an oversized garbage can, it probably won't last.

Rain Barrel Workshops

If you have a certificate for a rain barrel from an MMSD Rain Barrel Workshop you can still come to our MMSD Headquarters lobby Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm to pick up your rain barrel.

Are you looking for a rain barrel workshop? Sign up for our Fresh Coast newsletter to be the first to hear about more workshops.

Sign-up for Rain Barrel Workshop Updates

Don’t Let Good Water Go to Waste

Want some FREE water for your gardens or lawn? Want to help protect Lake Michigan? Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to do your part to protect Lake Michigan and become a Fresh Coast Guardian. Rain barrels and cisterns capture and store rainwater for outdoor water use like gardening. Rain barrels and cisterns are similar, although cisterns tend to be larger and sometimes are installed underground.