Despite experiencing a summer of heavy rainfall and flash floods, the majority of Danish homeowners overlook a simple and effective tool to combat water damage: rain barrels. Every trick in the book is used to protect our houses and basements from the heavy summer rain. However, seven out of ten Danish residents of townhouses and detached houses do not see rain barrels as an active part of damage prevention. New survey results reveal widespread disregard for this affordable flood-prevention method. And that is a mistake according to specialists in water damage prevention.
Danish Homes Hit by Record Rainfall
Denmark has been drenched in unusually heavy downpours this summer, particularly through the month of July. According to the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), a staggering 24 cloudbursts—intense rain events exceeding 15 millimeters of rainfall per 30 minutes—were recorded nationwide in just two days. For the third year in a row Denmark has experienced more than 100 ml of rainfall in the month of July. These extreme weather conditions have caused flooding in multiple areas, putting homes, basements, and infrastructure under significant pressure.
Detached and townhouses, which make up a broad portion of Denmark’s residential buildings, are especially vulnerable to flash flooding, as large volumes of water accumulate around buildings faster than traditional drainage systems can cope with.
Simple Tool for Flood Prevention in Denmark Overlooked
One practical way homeowners can ease pressure on drainage systems is by installing rain barrels—containers that collect and store rainwater from rooftops. These rain barrels divert water away from the sewer system and the house’s foundation, reducing the risk of water intrusion and structural damage. Despite this, a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of the insurance company Gjensidige shows that most Danes are not using this preventive tool.
Approximately 61% of Danish respondents reported they do not own a rain barrel. Even more concerning, 71% said they do not consider rain barrels to be a relevant measure for preventing flood damage such as what happens during a cloudburst. The findings point to a significant missed opportunity in the country’s broader flood-prevention efforts.
How Rain Barrels Work and Why They Matter
A standard rain barrel can typically hold between 200 and 300 liters of water—enough to capture a meaningful portion of runoff from a typical Danish roof during a short storm. By intercepting some of the rainfall at the source, rain barrels help redirect water away from houses, decreasing the chances of overwhelmed gutters, flooded basements, and waterlogged gardens.
Rain barrels also provide a sustainable water reservoir that can be used around the household. For example, stored rainwater can be used to irrigate gardens, clean outdoor surfaces, or even water indoor plants, which in turn reduces overall consumption of treated water.
Affordable and Easily Integrated Flood Prevention in Denmark
Beyond flood protection, rain barrels have economic and environmental benefits. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance. In urban areas where sewer systems are frequently at or beyond capacity during heavy rainfall, individual water retention solutions like this can collectively have a positive impact on flood reduction.
Many Scandinavian municipalities even offer subsidies or grants for homeowners who install rain barrels, green roofs, or other forms of sustainable drainage systems. However, the uptake appears relatively low, reflecting either a lack of awareness or skepticism regarding the effectiveness of individual measures.
Call for Greater Awareness
The survey results suggest a need for more comprehensive public education on how rainwater management can reduce the damage caused by severe weather. Insurance providers and local governments alike have a stake in helping residents understand the cumulative benefit of small-scale interventions like rain barrels.
With climate change expected to increase the frequency and intensity of rainfall in Denmark and across the Nordic region, the pressure is growing to adopt both large-scale infrastructure upgrades and personal-level flood deterrents. Empowering homeowners with inexpensive, low-tech tools could be a critical step in increasing climate resilience at the household level.
Survey Findings
The YouGov survey, conducted among 1,023 Danish adults aged 18 and older, highlights the gap between perception and practical flood prevention. Only 39% of respondents reported owning a rain barrel. Just 13% believed that rain barrels could help protect their homes during extreme rain events such as cloudbursts.
As cities and suburbs across Denmark continue to invest in “climate adaptation” measures, experts are urging more Danes to take personal responsibility by making simple changes at home. Installing a rain barrel is a small change that could make a big difference when the next storm hits.
