SOUTHWICK — During a discussion of the Water Commissioners about mandated water restrictions that town residents must deal with each summer, one Commissioner Dave Meczywor suggested the DPW partner with a company to offer rain barrels at reduced rates for water conservation.
After some checking, the department chose The Great American Rain Barrel company.
“It’s a tool we can use for water conservation and reducing stormwater runoff pollution,” DPW Director Randy Brown said about the rain barrels.
He added that the water collected in the barrels can be used by gardeners to water their vegetables and flower beds, and perhaps even used for washing a car.
“It’s a good idea and I know a lot of other towns have the same program,” Brown said.
By investing in a rainwater barrel, it help residents believe that they are a part of the solution to waste less water.
The barrels, like Brown said, collect runoff from roofs, gutters, and prevent water from reaching impervious surfaces that often channel it into local streams, rivers and ponds.
And there are other benefits to collecting rainwater.
Rainwater is “soft,” and free from minerals and chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride and calcium often present in municipal water.
Rainwater is considered the perfect choice for watering plants or washing cars and windows, Brown said.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 30% of daily water use is outdoors. The EPA also states that rain barrels could save the average homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually and decrease water bills by as much as 40%. A 500-square-foot roof can fill a properly installed 50-gallon rain barrel in approximately one hour. One full rain barrel will water a 200-square-foot garden.
To find out more about the barrels and to participate in The Great American Rain Barrel Program, visit greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community and select Southwick.
Barrels are offered for $89. Barrels will be available for pick up from noon to 4 p.m., May 31 the DPW facility at 661 College Hwy. Deadline for purchase is 5 p.m., Sunday, May 18.
The Great American Rain Barrel is a local food-import company that has been repurposing food grade shipping drums into Rain Barrels since 1988. The Great American Rain Barrel Co. has been an approved vendor by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection since 2010.
About the barrels:
- Made in Massachusetts with 100% repurposed, food grade, UV protected and BPA free barrels.
- Most durable rain barrels on the market: 3/16” wall thickness. Screen filtered to keep mosquitoes out.
- Will last for years when properly drained and stored for winter. Pay for themselves in one year.
- Several rain barrels can be linked together — easy 5-minute setup.
- Available colors: Forest Green, Earth Brown and Nantucket Grey. Also available unpainted.
