DOVER, Del. -- To encourage water conservation and promote wise use of it throughout the state, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Watershed Stewardship once again will offer rain barrels at a discounted price to residents of Delaware at pickup locations in each county.
Regular retail price for these heavy-duty plastic barrels is $120 or more. However, by purchasing the barrels at a quantity discount, the DNREC Nonpoint Source Program can offer them for $66 each. The barrels will be available for pickup at locations in each county and a limited number of barrels are available and once more will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The terra cotta-colored rain barrels are made from recycled food grade plastic containers that originally entered the United States filled with olives and pickles. Though 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, plus a spigot and an overflow hose fitting to allow water to be diverted into a second barrel.
Having a rain barrel provides an innovative way to capture rainwater 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 can run off your roof and become stormwater, picking up pollutants on its way to a storm drain, stream, lake, bay or ocean,” said Sharon Webb, environmental scientist with the 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.”
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.
Barrels will fit in the backseat of most cars but not in the trunk, so buyers may want to bring a tarp or blanket to protect the seat.
SOURCE: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
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