MWRD announces newly improved rain barrel sales program
Roll out the (rain) barrel!
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Homeowners can join the effort to collect and reuse stormwater by purchasing and installing a rain barrel from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). The MWRD has been selling rain barrels at affordable prices to encourage residential water conservation. Rain barrels are now available for purchase online throughout the year at a cost of $58 plus tax, and the price includes an installation kit and home delivery.
“Rain barrels are a simple way to collect stormwater from rooftops for later use,†explained Commissioner Debra Shore. “The new program is a part of the MWRD’s green infrastructure initiative and supports our misÂsion of managing stormwater and reducing water pollution.â€
The rain barrels are repurposed plastic containers that are 34†tall and 21†in diameter. They are available in four colors: blue, black, terra cotta and grey, and Cook County residents can purchase two rain barrels per year.
City of Chicago residents are eligible to apply for a 50 percent rebate through the Chicago Sustainable BackÂyards Program. Rebate forms may be found by visiting: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/conservation_outreachgreenprograms/svcs/chicago_sustainablebackyardprogram.html.
The MWRD is promoting a variety of water conservation methods in addition to rain barrels, such as rain gardens, native landscaping, stormwater trees, green roofs, greenways, wetlands and porous pavement.
For more information, contact the MWRD Office of Public Affairs at (312) 751-6633, email publicaffairsinÂfo@mwrd.org or go to mwrd.org.
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