Rain barrels draw attention to water collection during Earth Week

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Shedd Aquarium and Gompers School use artistic flair

 

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioners Michael A. Alvarez, Frank Avila, Patricia Horton, Kathleen Therese Meany and Debra Shore tried their hand at painting rain barrels with the assistance of seventh grade students from Chicago’s Gompers Fine Arts Option Elementary School today at the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

The MWRD recently launched a green infrastructure initiative using rain barrels and gardens, native landscaping, stormwater trees, bio-swales, green roofs, greenways, wetlands and porous pavement to achieve its mission of managing stormwater and reducing water pollution. Rain barrels are durable plastic containers that collect and store rainwater from a home’s rooftop, via a disconnected downspout, for later use.

“Collecting rainwater for reuse is an environmentally-friendly practice,” said David St. Pierre, MWRD Executive Director. “Water is a precious resource and everyone should do their part to conserve water. Rain barrels are an easy way to reuse rainwater at home.”

The public can join this important mission by taking advantage of the MWRD rain barrel program, which offers 55 gallon capacity rain barrels for $58 each, including home delivery and a starter installation kit.

“Shedd Aquarium is especially thrilled to partner with the MWRD during Earth Week, as this event not only provides an opportunity for conservation learning and growth among the participating students, but supports Shedd’s overall conservation mission and educational initiatives,” said Allen LaPointe, vice president of environmental quality.