Rain barrels to be sold at discount price April 16-18
through DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Program
To encourage water conservation and promote wise use of it throughout the state, DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship is again offering rain barrels at a discounted price to Delaware residents in April at pickup locations in each county. Having a rain barrel provides an innovative way to capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use. Water collected from rain barrels can be used to wash cars and to water lawns, gardens and indoor plants.
“Without a rain barrel, this water would run off your roof and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm drain, stream, lake, bay or ocean,” said Environmental Scientist Sharon Webb of the Division’s Nonpoint Source Program. “By using a rain barrel, you can lower your water bill, conserve well water in the dry season and reduce polluted stormwater runoff.”
The terra cotta-colored barrels are made from recycled food grade barrels that originally entered the United States filled with olives and pickles. Thoroughly scrubbed, the barrels may have some small scrapes and scratches from their travels. The barrels are fitted with a screw-on perforated top with an inside mesh screen to help keep out debris, bugs, pets and children. Included are a spigot and an overflow hose fitting to allow water to be diverted into a second barrel.
Rain barrels will be available for pickup at the dates, times and locations listed below. Barrels will fit in the backseat of most cars but not in most normal trunk space, so you may want to bring a tarp or blanket to protect the seat. A limited number of barrels are available and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
- New Castle County residents: Tuesday, April 16 between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or until all barrels are sold, at the New Castle County District office Maintenance Yard, 2430 Old County Road, Newark. For directions, please visit http://newcastleconservationdistrict.org/ and click on directions at bottom of page.
Regular retail price for these heavy-duty plastic barrels is $120 or more. However, by purchasing the rain barrels in quantity, DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Program can offer them for $59 each.
In addition to the barrels, Flex Fit Diverters, which connect the downspout to the barrel, will be available at a discounted price of $19.85. To view diverters please visit http://www.rainbarrelsandmore.com/ .
For more information, please call Sharon Webb, Nonpoint Source Program, at 302-739-9922, or email sharon.webb@state.de.us. To check on availability during distribution, please call 302-739-9922. Payment may be made by check or money order made out to “State of Delaware.” Credit cards cannot be accepted.
