Rainwater Water Butt Kit (inc stand & Diverter) £18.59 at Argos

telsco

How many years will it take before it starts paying for itself?

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it would take over 10 years, due to the relatively low cost of water per litre.

Also, with all the plastic and the processes used to make them, they're probably one of the most environmentally unfriendly things you can buy that's made to look environmentally friendly!

Delphinum

I think I'd buy it more because we're going to be getting a hosepipe ban in Thames Valley rather than because it saves me money to be honest.

zippydooda

5 and 3 left in the 2 stores near me. think ill keep an eye on thhem and hope price props more.

savemoney

Often water butts are made from recycled plastic bottles. Whilst process may not be environmental friendly the materials would only go to land fill.

http://www.re3.org.uk/Recycling_page.asp?id=7


"Plastic is then either melted down directly and formed into a new shape, or flaked and then melted down. A wide range of products can be made from recycled plastic, including new plastic bottles, garden furniture, water butts, compost bins and fleece jackets/jumpers. In fact it only takes 25 two litre plastic bottles to make an adult sized fleece. "

telsco wrote: »

How many years will it take before it starts paying for itself?

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it would take over 10 years, due to the relatively low cost of water per litre.

Also, with all the plastic and the processes used to make them, they're probably one of the most environmentally unfriendly things you can buy that's made to look environmentally friendly!

hesjane

Thanks OP - just managed to reserve one for collection.

withabix

Up to £19.99 now.

Zanderman

telsco wrote: »

How many years will it take before it starts paying for itself?

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it would take over 10 years, due to the relatively low cost of water per litre.

Also, with all the plastic and the processes used to make them, they're probably one of the most environmentally unfriendly things you can buy that's made to look environmentally friendly!

If you think a water butt has to be cost-effective you're totally missing the point. It's nothing to do with paying for itself. It's all to do with principle and practicality.

Principle - that we waste, potentially at our peril, rain-water that we could store and use- so why not store and use some of it. Good practice, common sense, and if everyone did it might even begin reducing all the faster-than-it-should-be run-off from roofs and roads to watercourse - keeping some back a bit longer for the land. Very good principles.

Practicality - you get a supply of water, in the garden. Exactly where you need it. No need for hoses, tap adapters etc - it's already out there. Not just good for hose-pipe bans - but really useful all the time (even in winter).

A limited supply of course - but that brings in another good principle - watering from taps leads to yet more waste, over-watering, and encouraging shallow rooting. Water-butts force an appreciation of the limited supply and wiser use.

That shallow rooting point, from using tap water, is a real problem - using 'endless' tap water can encourage shallow rooting of your veg, bedding plants etc, which makes 'em wilt more quickly in hot weather, which makes you water them more, which makes them stay shallow-rooted, which... you see what I mean.

As for the plastic they're made of - well that's recycled, so that anti-argument doesn't stand up either.

So, a good idea all round. The only REAL problem is that they're all too small, especially this slimline one that's on offer. It makes it all seem like dabbling in good practice whilst not fully participating. Now, if every new house had a water tank built into the garden, with a hand pump to fill your watering can/bucket with that really would be something. Too much to hope for though I think....

mrcol1000

I have just installed one and it is pretty easy. You just cut the down pipe and make a hole in the butt if there isn't one and it all fits together. I got mine from Yorkshire Water website through one of their partners. Most water companies subside these just go to the website. Mine was priced about £29 for everything including delivery and looks much nicer than this one. I got it cheaper as they were doing one half price if you buy one full price so got with someone else and brought two and split the price. You can buy two and buy a connector to connect them up.
I use it for all watering in and out. It's not just about saving money or water. There are nutrients in the rain which are far better for flowers and plants than chemically enhanced tap water. But it is nice to get something for nothing.

Kentsavings

Zanderman wrote: »

If you think a water butt has to be cost-effective you're totally missing the point. It's nothing to do with paying for itself. It's all to do with principle and practicality.

well said! i have one at my back garden and would not be without it!:T

thommy

telsco wrote: »

How many years will it take before it starts paying for itself?

I'm sure I've read somewhere that it would take over 10 years, due to the relatively low cost of water per litre.

Also, with all the plastic and the processes used to make them, they're probably one of the most environmentally unfriendly things you can buy that's made to look environmentally friendly!

Not if you're on a meter: Water in our area is approx £3 per 1000 litres. Off the top of my head, that's approx 70 fills for it to pay for itself. Depends how often you need the water....