Real-world examples of using rainwater: 3 practical household examples

Why these examples of using rainwater matter right now

Water bills are rising, droughts are more common, and storms are getting heavier in many regions. That combination makes household rainwater harvesting feel less like a quirky hobby and more like common sense.

In the U.S., outdoor water use can account for 30% or more of a home’s total water use, and in dry regions it can be much higher, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can see their outdoor water use breakdown here: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor-water-use.

So when we talk about real examples of using rainwater: 3 practical household examples, we’re really talking about:

• Lowering your monthly water bill
• Reducing stormwater runoff that can cause flooding and pollution
• Building a bit of resilience when local watering restrictions kick in

Let’s start with the simplest, most impactful example of using rainwater at home: keeping your plants happy.

Example of using rainwater #1: Garden and landscape irrigation

If you only ever use rainwater for one thing, make it this. Using rainwater for your garden is one of the best examples of turning a waste stream into a resource.

How this works in a normal yard

Picture this: a 1,000‑square‑foot roof in a moderate climate. A one‑inch rainstorm can send over 600 gallons of water down your gutters. With even one or two 50–65 gallon barrels, you can capture a meaningful chunk of that and put it straight into your soil instead of the storm drain.

Everyday examples of using rainwater in the yard include:

• Filling watering cans to hand‑water vegetable beds
• Feeding a low‑pressure drip irrigation line for raised beds
• Topping up containers and hanging baskets that dry out fast
• Watering newly planted trees and shrubs that need consistent moisture

A lot of gardeners actually prefer rainwater because it’s typically softer (lower in minerals) and free of chlorine and chloramines that are common in municipal water. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a clear explanation of water hardness and why it matters for soils and pipes: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water.

Turning one barrel into multiple garden uses

Let’s say you install a basic 55‑gallon barrel on one downspout. Here are several layered, practical examples of using that rainwater in your landscape:

• Morning veggie watering: Use a simple hose and gravity or a watering can to soak the root zones of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
• Soaker hose loop: Connect a soaker hose around a flower bed. Elevate the barrel slightly (on blocks) for better flow.
• Native plant bed backup: Even drought‑tolerant natives need help their first year. Use rainwater instead of turning on your full irrigation system.
• Mulch pre‑soak: Before spreading dry wood mulch, dampen it with rainwater so it stays in place and starts protecting the soil immediately.

As your system grows, you might add a second or third barrel, or a larger tank, allowing you to irrigate a front yard garden, a backyard food forest, or a pollinator strip along the sidewalk. These are some of the best examples of using rainwater in a way that’s visible, satisfying, and easy to explain to skeptical neighbors.

Example of using rainwater #2: Outdoor cleaning and car washing

The next of our 3 practical household examples is all about chores you already do: rinsing off things outside. This is where even renters or people without gardens can still put stored rainwater to work.

Everyday outdoor cleaning examples

Real examples of using rainwater outdoors include:

• Washing the car: Fill a bucket from your barrel and use a biodegradable soap. Use municipal water only for a final quick rinse if needed.
• Rinsing garden tools: After pruning or digging, dunk tools in a rainwater bucket to knock off soil before storing.
• Cleaning outdoor furniture: Wipe down plastic or metal chairs and tables with rainwater and a mild cleaner.
• Hosing down muddy boots and sports gear: Keep a rainwater bucket by the back door for dirty shoes, soccer cleats, and pet toys.
• Rinsing off patio, decks, and walkways: Use a watering can or low‑pressure hose from your barrel to wash away dust and pollen.

These may sound small, but they add up. If you’re washing a car with a running hose, you can easily use 80–100 gallons or more. Switching to a bucket‑and‑rinse method with stored rainwater can cut that dramatically.

Small upgrades that multiply your uses

If you’re comfortable with basic DIY, you can turn this example of using rainwater into a mini outdoor cleaning station:

• Install a spigot on your barrel at a convenient height for filling buckets.
• Add a short hose and spray nozzle for low‑pressure rinsing.
• Set up a gravel or permeable pad under the cleaning area so graywater soaks into the ground instead of pooling.

This setup supports even more examples of using rainwater:

• Pre‑rinsing recycling bins before putting them out
• Spraying off bicycles after trail rides
• Rinsing reusable planting trays and pots

As always, pay attention to local guidance. Many states and cities now actively encourage rainwater harvesting for non‑potable uses. For an overview of legal and policy trends in the U.S., the National Conference of State Legislatures has a helpful summary: https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/rainwater-harvesting

Example of using rainwater #3: Toilet flushing and basic indoor non‑potable use

This is the most advanced of our 3 practical household examples, but it’s also where the water savings can be dramatic.

Toilets alone can account for nearly 30% of indoor water use in a typical U.S. home, according to the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts.

If you’re willing to do a bit of plumbing (or hire a pro), rainwater can handle a good chunk of that.

Two levels of indoor use

There are two main ways people bring this example of using rainwater indoors without getting into complex treatment systems for drinking water:

1. Manual bucket flushing
This is the low‑tech, low‑risk option. You keep a covered bucket of rainwater in the bathroom and pour it directly into the bowl to flush. No plumbing changes, no backflow issues, and you’re still using rainwater for a daily task.

Real examples include:

• Flushing a basement or workshop toilet that doesn’t get heavy use
• Using rainwater for flushing during outdoor parties when everyone uses a single bathroom near the yard

2. Plumbed non‑potable system
In some regions, building codes allow a separate non‑potable water line for toilets and sometimes for clothes washing. This is not a casual DIY project—you’ll need to follow local plumbing codes and install backflow protection.

When it’s allowed and done correctly, the best examples look like this:

• A cistern or large tank collects roof runoff
• A small pump and pressure tank supply water to toilets
• A backup connection to municipal water kicks in when the tank is low

Some households also use this system for cold‑water laundry. That said, always check local health and plumbing regulations first. Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that untreated rainwater should not be used for drinking, cooking, or bathing because of potential contamination from roofs and gutters: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/other/rainwater-collection.html

Indoor examples that stay on the safe side

If full plumbing integration feels like too much, you can still collect indoor‑adjacent examples of using rainwater:

• Mopping floors: Fill your mop bucket from the barrel instead of the tap.
• Rinsing dirty work clothes outside first: Use rainwater to knock off mud and debris before running a washing machine cycle.
• Cleaning windows from the outside: Use rainwater with a squeegee to avoid hard‑water spots.

These hybrid uses keep the rainwater outside your potable plumbing system but still replace tap water in routine cleaning.

Beyond the big 3: More real examples of using rainwater at home

Once you have a barrel or cistern installed, it’s amazing how many little tasks suddenly don’t need tap water. Here are more real examples of using rainwater that pair nicely with our 3 practical household examples:

• Topping up birdbaths and small wildlife ponds (change the water regularly to avoid mosquitoes).
• Mixing concrete or mortar for small DIY projects like pavers, fence posts, or raised bed walls.
• Soaking compost to keep a compost pile at the moisture level of a wrung‑out sponge.
• Pre‑soaking firewood you want to keep from drying too fast in very hot, dry conditions (for certain outdoor cooking methods).
• Cooling down outdoor areas by lightly sprinkling patios or gravel paths on hot days (water‑wise climates only—don’t waste water in drought emergencies).
• Hydrating soil before planting trees or shrubs so roots have a moist landing zone.

These may not be headline uses, but they turn a simple system into a habit. And habit is what makes rainwater harvesting stick beyond the first enthusiastic weekend.

2024–2025 trends that make these examples even more relevant

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth setting up your own system now, a few recent trends tip the scales:

• More intense storms: Many regions are seeing fewer rainy days but heavier downpours when storms do hit. That means a single storm can fill barrels and cisterns fast.
• Growing city incentives: Some U.S. cities offer rebates for rain barrels, cisterns, and stormwater‑reducing landscaping. Check your local water utility or city sustainability office.
• Drought and watering restrictions: Western and Southern states in particular have seen repeated watering bans or strict schedules. Having stored rainwater lets you keep priority plants alive without breaking the rules.
• DIY‑friendly hardware: Big box stores and local hardware shops now carry off‑the‑shelf rain barrels, diverters, and first‑flush devices that used to require specialty ordering.

These shifts make the best examples of using rainwater—like garden irrigation and outdoor cleaning—more practical for ordinary households, not just hardcore sustainability geeks.

Making your own “3 practical household examples” plan

Every home is different, but a simple way to get started is to design your own set of examples of using rainwater: 3 practical household examples that fit your reality.

Ask yourself:

• Do you have plants or a lawn you already water? If yes, garden irrigation is your first example.
• Do you wash a car, clean outdoor gear, or have a dusty patio? If yes, outdoor cleaning is your second example.
• Are you comfortable with buckets or possibly hiring a plumber for a non‑potable line? That’s your third example—manual toilet flushing or a small indoor non‑potable system.

From there, you can tack on smaller, low‑effort examples like topping up birdbaths, soaking compost, or rinsing tools. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s to make using rainwater feel as normal as turning on the tap.

FAQ: Common questions about household examples of using rainwater

What are the most practical examples of using rainwater at home?

The most practical examples of using rainwater at home are garden and landscape irrigation, outdoor cleaning and car washing, and toilet flushing or other non‑potable indoor uses. These examples include things you already do—watering plants, washing cars, rinsing gear—so you’re just swapping the water source, not changing your lifestyle.

Is it safe to use rainwater for toilets and laundry?

For toilets, yes—when systems are installed correctly and kept separate from drinking water lines. For laundry, it depends on local regulations and your plumbing setup. Many codes allow rainwater for non‑potable uses like toilet flushing and sometimes cold‑water laundry, but you must follow plumbing codes and backflow requirements. Untreated rainwater should not be used for drinking, cooking, or bathing. The CDC has clear guidance on health risks and safe uses here: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/other/rainwater-collection.html.

Can you give an example of a small, renter‑friendly rainwater project?

A simple example of using rainwater for renters is a single 50–65 gallon barrel connected to a downspout with a removable diverter. You can use that water for container plants, hand‑watering a small garden bed, rinsing bikes, or washing a car. The diverter can be removed and the downspout restored when you move out.

Do these examples of using rainwater really save much money?

They can. If you live in an area with high water rates or metered outdoor use, irrigating with rainwater instead of tap water can cut your bill noticeably during the growing season. Car washing, outdoor cleaning, and some indoor non‑potable uses add smaller but steady savings. The exact amount depends on your local water rates and how consistently you use your stored rainwater.

Are there health concerns with these examples of rainwater use?

Yes, which is why these 3 practical household examples focus on non‑potable uses. Rainwater can pick up contaminants from roofs, gutters, and the air. Using it for irrigation, outdoor cleaning, and toilet flushing avoids direct human consumption. If you ever consider using rainwater for potable purposes, you’ll need proper filtration, disinfection, and usually regulatory approval.

If you start with these real‑world examples of using rainwater: 3 practical household examples tailored to your home, you’ll quickly see that harvesting rain isn’t just a feel‑good project. It’s a quiet, steady way to cut waste, save money, and make your household a little more resilient—one storm at a time.