Rain chains according to Wikipedia are "alternatives to a 
downspout...[whose] purpose is largely decorative...." And certainly, they are.
They offer melodic interpretations
of water heading to the ground.
Sometimes, there is a the potential for a
three dimensional moment.
However, here in the Asheville NC area, the hub of sustainable innovation, rain chains offer more than attractive decorative features.
Rain chains can be a simple addition to a chosen rainwater harvesting (RWH) system.
(see photo)
Here in the mountains,
where permaculture and organic gardening
are part and parcel of neighborhoods,
many of our clients are exctied about RWH.
Rain water harvesting (RWH)
requires less treatment than greywater recycling,
if being used for non-potable demand
such as watering your garden.
* * *
On a Sunday, during the February thaw, we came across this rain chain creating a point of interest. Here you can see how this simple rain chain, still having a good bit of ice aboard, breaks the fall of the water, guiding it downward to a storage basin. There is, too, the enchanting melody.
If you were inclined, you could even connect this to a rain barrel for storage.
Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND and LOT EXPERTS- Going Green/ Eco-Friendly Properties. Tools for Sellers and Buyers. Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.
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Asheville NC Real Estate Journal for Mountain Homes and Land Legacies- Asheville 1031 Realty© 2012.. Designations: NAR GREEN®, EcoBroker®, Eco Certified ®Real Estate Consultant, ePRO®. Unauthorized reproduction of any information including photos and graphics on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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Would you add a rain chain to your home or office?
No, chain seems to heavy and to hard to attach without causing damage. I on the other hand, do have my rain gutter spout empty into a barrel (with a screen to keep out trash and prohibit mosquito breeding) to water my flowers at the office. I did this when the south east was in a drought, didn't need to water anything last year, God did it plenty for me.
janeAnne, rain chains sound pretty interesting. I've never heard of this before. We learn something new every day on Active Rain!
Pat~
After reading Tammy's comment, I looked online and have seen some rain "chains"...beautiful , light weight , and fanciful.... Maybe I will look for examples around Asheville and do another post =)
JaneAnne everyday I learn something new, I have never heard of the rain chain so this was interesting to me.
janeAnne,
Ancient Japan used rain chains 1,000 years ago; it's cool to see them used here today.
Mike in Tucson