City promotes rain barrels for water conservation
On June 22, Greensboro, N.C., held a Rain Barrel Sale to distribute 54-gallon barrels to residents for use in collecting runoff from roofs for lawn and garden irrigation. The city’s Water Conservation Office and the state Cooperative Extension Service sponsored the event to raise awareness about water conservation among residents.
Employees of the two agencies organized the Rain Barrel Sale after hearing of similar events in other cities. To prepare for the sale, the city solicited bids for covered rain barrels. It purchased 300 RainCatcher 4000 models from Burlington, Vt.-based Home &Garden Innovations for $50 each. Similar barrels retail in local stores for about $100. Then, the city launched a media campaign to promote the barrels to residents.
On the day of the sale, residents purchased up to two barrels each at the city’s cost. The sale attracted approximately 1,000 residents, so the barrels sold out quickly.
The city took orders for additional barrels from residents that attended the sale, and it collected more orders on the city Web site. It plans to distribute the additional barrels by the end of this month.
The rain barrels have helped residents meet some of their outdoor watering needs in light of drought-induced water restrictions. The barrels also help the city divert water from its storm drain system, protect rivers from runoff pollution and reduce wasteful summer water consumption.