rain barrels

Here is my water collector that was (and still is used for the solar/gone electric) water heater).
Has a first flush, storage and second tank in the "pulpit" w/ pressure pump/heater.

Collect water in the blue tank, filter and pump to the second tank, little bleach to keep the "nasties" at bay. (you probally wouldn't want to use bleach or need a second tank if just watering)

Nice set-up, but I'm curious...

What's the purpose of the extended and capped downspout? I can see the bottom must fill and then it goes into the barrel. Doesn't that holding area in the bottom of the downspout get nasty between storms?

I was just wondering what the purpose was...otherwise I love your system.

__________________
"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Sir Isaac Newton
(A REAL scientist)

Has small 1/4" drain hole at the bottom of the "dirt leg" that keeps draining, (emptying). Rain flow overwhelms it when it's raining, drains when not.

Gotta clean out the bottom from time to time, but it's just the sediment.
Also a screen at the top of the down spout for sticks etc.

After I posted, I thought it might be for settlement...good design...I like it.

__________________
"The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being." - Sir Isaac Newton
(A REAL scientist)