Use Old Pantyhose to Keep Rain Barrel Water Clean

I've discovered that when collecting rain in your rain barrel, you can put a leg from a pair of pantyhose over the end of your downspout. It keeps the water clean, especially if your gutters have any debris in them. I hold the pantyhose material on with an elastic band, which makes it easy to remove and rinse off when it gets dirty. I also use an old window screen over the barrel to keep mosquitoes out, and keep any wildlife from falling into the barrel. Hope these ideas are useful.